After several years of suffering, Thor Hushovd has decided to end his career after the World Championships in September. The Norwegian is suffering from mononucleosis and sees no point in continuing the series of struggles that have seen him go from disappointment from disappointment over the last few months.

A few weeks ago, Thor Hushovd decided to withdraw from the Criterium du Dauphiné, claiming that something must have been wrong with his body as he was not feeling like his usual self. It has now been confirmed that he is suffering from mononucleosis and that a virus is the reason for his poor performances.

The illness has led Hushovd to the conclusion that it is time to end a fabulous career that included a win in the 2010 World Championships, two green jerseys at the Tour de France and no less than 14 grand tour stage victories of which 10 were taken in the Tour de France. The Norwegian will retire after the world championships in september, putting an end to 14 years in the professional peloton.

“I've been knocked out by a virus that is a mononucleosis virus," he said at a press conference. "I have pushed myself with the virus in the body. I've had some flashes, occasionally. It made me want to ride. But I've been too far down physically and mentally occasionally.

“Then came the questions some of you have asked me. Why bother with this, Thor? That is the question I asked myself. Then I found out that enough was enough.

“Cycling is not the most important thing in life. Not everything in life you can plan and calculate. This decision I took too long ago, very long ago. On March 12, 2012, I woke up with high fever. I lay in bed for two and a half days. That's when my nightmare began.”

After his incredible performance in the 2011 Tour where he won two stages and wore the yellow jersey for a week, the 2012 season ended as a great disappointment as another virus set him back. Last autumn he was back in good condition, winning three WorldTour races, the Norwegian road race championships and the inaugural Arctic Tour of Norway, but this year has again been one of suffering.

With his decision to end his career, Hushovd will also realize that he will never win the race at the top of his wish list: Paris-Roubaix. His best result was a second place in 2010.