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Wednesday, March 18, 2009 World Champion will miss Milano-Sanremo by VeloNation Press at 5:18 PM EST   comments Categories: Pro Cycling, Spring Classics, Press Release   Alessandro Ballan won't take part in Milano-Sanremo 2009. The 29 year old current reigning World Champion had to quit the "Classicissima" because of an undiagnosed illness he was battling with recently. Now the true nature of the illness has come to light, and Ballan can begin with the proper rest and recuperation to return to his top form as soon as possible. Carlo Guardascione, Lampre-NGC's chief medical consultant, explains the reason for the forfeiture from the upcoming Milano-Sanremo, and the findings that finally identified the previously unknown illness: "The exams performed in Castelfranco Veneto hospital showed a recent infection caused by the Citomegalovirus (a common herpes type virus), a contagion datable to 15 days ago. The cyclist must rest for 15 to 20 days; he will be able to begin training only when the sore values (checked every 15 days) disappear". Ballan's disappointment is intense: "I'm very sad because I won't take part in Milano-Sanremo and my presence in the Classics of the North is compromised. Now I know why I wasn't well, I have to wait for a complete recovery. I can't say when I'll be back to races, because all will depend on the course of the infection".       comments Follow @Pro_Cycling Tweet Subscribe via RSS or daily email Contact the editor about this article