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."