Allan Davis, recently riding for Orica-GreenEDGE, has announced a decision of hanging up his wheels after he failed to find a new contract for the 2014 season. At the age of only 33, Australian rider underlined his will to continue as a professional cyclist for several more years, but an exceptionally tough competition on the transfer market during last winter break forced him to reconsider his plans for the future.

"I would have liked to keep going for a few more years, but it's just not an option the way things are," Davis told the Australian Associated Press.

"I have to turn the page and get on with the next chapter of my life. I have to find some source of income for my family and move on. It's just bad luck and bad timing."

Davis took his time searching for the new employer when it became clear that Australian World Tour team won’t extend his contract, but the situation proved to be more difficult than ever before with many valuable riders left without a team to continue as Euskaltel and Vacansoleil have been folded, while many other were put under very strict budget restrictions.

Higher profile riders in the likes of Igor Anton, Samuel Sanchez or Christopher Horner were struggling to ensure the continuity of their careers for 2014 season, while many other were forced to accept a highly unsatisfying offers in the financial terms as a lifeline. Davis says this has been one of the toughest winters for out of contract riders.

“I've never seen it like this and I've spoken to a lot of blokes who have been around twice as long as I have - they also haven't seen it like this," he explained.

"It's just one of those things that's out of the riders' hands."

The 33-year old Australian has 13 seasons as a professional under his belt, during which he managed to claim 29 victories and several highly notable performances, as he has won the bronze medal at the World Championships, finished 2nd at Milan-San Remo and took the overall classification of the Tour Down Under. Such results standing behind Davis should be a proof of how difficult it was to find a new team during last winter break.

"I'm very proud of what I've achieved on the bike, so I can walk away with my head held high," he said. "It gives me a lot of happiness, knowing what I've done.”

Even though Davis wasn’t prepared for ending his career at this particular stage, he remains positive about the future and wants to stay connected with a world of cycling.

"I have a few fingers in a few pies and I will let it unfold a bit, make sure I choose the right path now," said Davis.

"All my experience is on the bike and that's what I'd love to continue doing."