diff --git a/.travis.yml b/.travis.yml
index a7e676f28..4562cc0e1 100644
--- a/.travis.yml
+++ b/.travis.yml
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ python:
   - "pypy"
 env:
   global:
-    - TEST=-v --with-timer
+    - TEST='-v --with-timer'
   matrix:
     - DOCUTILS=0.11
     - DOCUTILS=0.12