Mark Renshaw is "showing good initial progress" in his recovery after being diagnosed with Epstein-Barr in early December, said Team Columbia-HTC doctor Helge Riepenhof.

Renshaw, who was a key part of Team Columbia-HTC's 2009 record success of 85 victories, skipped training camp in December and will continue his recuperation during the first races of the season. The team is closely monitoring his condition and his blood tests already show improvement.

"We don't see his 2010 season goals in any danger," said Team Manager Rolf Aldag. "He would have loved to race in Tour Down Under but we are confident that he will once again show great performances in the Grand Tours as a lead out for Mark Cavendish, and that he will be just as strong as he was this year.

"He may even be fresher for the second half of the season, when the World Championships take place in his home country," he added.

While resting from heavy training, Renshaw has been active in the community, organizing an event to raise money for Prostate cancer.