With the news coming in that I'm going to race for Santander next year
I have to get better at all costs, no matter if my leg is still slightly injured.
August 2-5, 2014 : Vuelta Ciclista a Leon



Lobato, Rojas, Rowe, and Craddock are top favourites.



Pereyra is going to lead the team as I get a free role.

--- *** --- *** --- *** ---



Two flat stages to start the tour, two hilly stages to finish it.



The stage comes down to a bunch sprint and I get caught out of the lead group.
I'm starting to have doubts that maybe I should just
thrown in the towel for the season.

Even worse is the fact Pereyra loses 20 minutes on the stage because of a split.
That technically makes me the team leader now.



José Joaquín Rojas gets the win, Silvestre finishes 13th.

Let's try not to get caught out in a major split again.



I just can't do it. I can feel the strain in my leg getting worse each day now.



In a close finish, Sondre Holst Enger over José Joaquín Rojas.

I iced my leg all night, let's see if I'm any better today.



I'm feeling so good I try to start the morning breakaway.
What a difference a day makes.



Wait, I take that back. I last just 25kms up front.



Which means the team has to rely on Pereyra for a good stage result.



That's not going to happen with this start list. André Steensen with the win.
Pereyra fights his way to finish 14th.



I come home 3'15" behind Steensen for 84th place.

The last stage. I'm really starting to think this was a bad idea.



No plans for me today, just ride at the front of the peloton
and see how long I can last for.



And I actually make it all the way to the finish, that's an improvement.



But, I wasn't going to have any effect on the outcome. Stage win to Luke Rowe.



I finish 46th, 78th overall. This might be the last picture in a Desigual jersey.

I'm going to rest for the next few days and make my decision.
Alonso has given me the option to race the Vuelta a Burgos or start my offseason training camps earlier in the hopes of being in top shape for 2015.

Not good enough. Is it time for me to cut my season short?

"Well, Travis. What's your decision?"

"I think it's best if I hang up the bike for the rest of the season.
My leg isn't getting better by riding around on it
and Chloe could use my help around the house."

"I understand, if that's what you think is best for you.
I'll have the team map out your offseason training camps right away."

"Thanks Fernando. I hope to be 110% at the start of next season."

And with that I got up and left his office. I was halfway out the door before...

"Hey, Newton. Let me get one of the interns to print out your season review.
It will give you some motivation during your offseason training."

A few minutes later Alonso reappeared and handed me a stack of papers.

--- *** --- *** --- *** ---

February 17-20

Vuelta a Andalucia

100th Overall

February 23	Vuelta a Murcia	74th Overall
March 14-17	Istrian Spring Trophy	30th Overall

April 10-13

Volkswagen Sea Otter Classic

4th Overall

April 25-28

Joe Martin Stage Race

5th Overall

May 1-5

Tour of the Gila

4th Overall

June 16-21

Cascade Cycling Classic

DNF

July 7	Stockton Velo29	72nd Overall
July 19	East Yorkshire Classic	73rd Overall
July 28	Ryedale GP	175th Overall
August 2-5	Vuelta Ciclista a Leon	78th Overall

I got my offseason training schedule yesterday,
let's just say I'm not looking forward to it.
So, to take my mind of it I decided to make a 2014 season recap.

--- *** --- *** --- *** ---

Euskaltel <---> Team Europcar
Vini Fantini <---> FDJ