CDR Yamaha’s Lawson Bopping has exited the MX Nationals with glandular fever. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

CDR Yamaha’s Lawson Bopping sat out yesterday’s penultimate round of the Monster Energy MX Nationals with glandular fever following an uncharacteristic lack of form in recent rounds.

Bopping will also skip this weekend’s Coolum season finale, with doctors confirming his illness following the Swan Hill round of the series earlier this month.

In his second season with the all-conquering CDR Yamaha team, the 24-year-old has been absent from the MX1 podium throughout the series. Fourth place at Murray Bridge and Appin were highlights, while a lowly 11th at Swan Hill was disastrous as he battled through the fever.

“It pretty much kicked off around Broadford,” Bopping explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “I didn’t have a real great day, but it was alright and I was like ‘okay, maybe it’s just the track and I’m a little bit off’ that day. The next few rounds were the same, just getting a little bit worse at each.

“I had a blood test after Hervey Bay and nothing came through. I have been feeling okay, not real sick, just lacking energy. At Swan Hill I had no energy at all, only had around three laps in me and I was done – I even got lapped in that second moto.

“After that I had more tests done and the doctor confirmed I am suffering from glandular fever. It’s been in my body for three months, so that explained a lot. I just have to rest at this point.”

Bopping’s plan at this stage is to return for Supercross, not yet confirming a deal in place for 2014 following a frustrating outdoor campaign. Understandably, he’s focused on his health in a bid to make a strong comeback.

“Mentally it’s been super-tough, doing everything that felt right,” he added. “All the effort I had been putting in wasn’t adding up on race day – I was getting totally hosed by the end there. But once I found out I had glandular fever it was almost a relief to find out what was happening.

“I was just flat, it was a strange feeling. I’m not really sure what’s in store for 2014, we haven’t planned anything so it’s too early to say just yet.”