week after a bout of measles landed him in a Monaco hospital.

Hubbard was released on Monday but the effects of the illness could prevent him from competing in what would be his longest professional race so far -- the gruelling 15-day Tour of Portugal. Hubbard, who rides with the Italian team AKI-SAFI, is due to start the race on July 28.

He believes he contracted the sickness last weekend, and when his fever escalated thought it safer to spend some time in hospital. "He thought he was dying,'' said good friend Greg Hopkins. "He had never felt so bad in his life, and we were concerned because measles is much more dangerous when contracted as an adult.''.

Said Hubbard from his home in Monaco yesterday: "We will make a decision as to whether or not I will race in the Tour on Sunday.

"It's hard to say whether the illness will affect my performance in the long run, but it could definitely set me back for the next few races.

"If I can't race in the Tour of Portugal it will really set me back in my training programme. I was counting on this race as excellent preparation for the World Championships in October in Spain. If I finish the Tour of Portugal it will be my longest race so far.'' But Hubbard's fitness should help him bounce back from the illness and he hopes to be back in the saddle by today.