The Fastest Bicycle Rider in the World (Belt Revivals)

The Fastest Bicycle Rider in the World (Belt Revivals)

The true story of Marshall Major Taylor, who overcame racial prejudice to become one of the most dominant cyclists in history. Part of Belt's Revival series and with an introduction by Zito Madu. The Fastest Bicycle Rider in the World , which Taylor self-published in 1928, gives a riveting first-person account of his rise to the highest echelons of professional cycling. Born in Indianapolis, he eventually became the first African American cycling world champion, going on to set seven world records in the sport. Readers will learn about Taylor's exploits as an athlete, including his early taste of success in a grueling six-day race, his unparalleled dominance as a sprinter, and some of his most bitter defeats. But the man who achieved international fame as the Black Cyclone also details the extreme prejudice he faced both on and off the track. It's a story about one of the greatest athletes in American history but also a moving testament to Taylor's resilience and determination in the face of overt racism and seemingly impossible odds. As he tells us himself, I am writing my memoirs . . . in the spirit calculated to solicit simple justice, equal rights, and a square deal for the posterity of my down-trodden but brave people, not only in athletic games and sports, but in every honorable game of human endeavor. The Fastest Bicycle Rider in the World by Marshall W. “Major” Taylor. It is quite possible that you have not heard about one of the most important athletes in history. But you can fix that by reading this memoir, penned in 1928 by the “Black Cyclone” himself. Despite facing overwhelming racism on and off two wheels, “Major” Taylor became the dominant cyclist of his era. This abridged edition from Belt Publishing with updated modernized spellings makes for a propulsive and compelling read as we are introduced to tales of high-speed success, sabotage, and impossible odds. It does not take long to realize that this world champion deserves to be mentioned alongside the likes of more well-known athletes who fought for social change like Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, or Serena Williams. And if you want proof that Taylor’s legacy is still alive and inspiring people today, there might even be a cycling group in your city dedicated to him. Marshall W. “Major” Taylor was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1878. At eighteen, he became a professional cyclist, and in 1899, he won the one-mile sprint event at the world track championships, becoming the first Black athlete to be named a cycling world champion. Despite rampant racism from both fellow athletes and fans, Taylor became one of the most dominant cyclists of his era. After his retirement at the age of thirty-two, he moved to Chicago and unsuccessfully tried to make money in a variety of ways, including by self-publishing his autobiography, The Fastest Bicycle Rider in the World. He died in poverty in Chicago in 1932. Zito Madu was born in Nigeria and moved to the United States in 1998. He grew up in Detroit and now lives in Brooklyn, New York. His writing has been published in many publications, including Plough Quarterly, Victory Journal, GQ Magazine, the New Republic, and the Nation.