Marshall "Major" Taylor

Marshall "Major" Taylor was probably the greatest cyclist you have never heard of.
Born on November 26th, 1878, he was a black child raised in Civil War hatred. His parents had moved north just before the war to Indianapolis. His father took work as a carriage driver for a wealthy white family. They gave young Marshall a bicycle at the age of nine. By 1892, he was being hired to perform bike tricks for a local bike shop. He was made to wear a soldier's outfit as a costume, and earned the nickname "Major."
In August of 1896, he broke two World Track Records. This angered the white community so much, they (and the ABA) banned him from racing at the Capitol City track for life. In December of the same year, he placed eigth in his first Professional race. It was an endurance race that spanned SIX DAYS in Madison Square Garden.






By 1898, Major Taylor has SEVEN World Records. In August of 1899, he wins the 1 Mile Championships in Montreal, Canada. Three months later he beats it. In September of 1900, he finally gets to compete against whites, and becomes the U.S. National Sprint Champion. March of 1901 rolls around, and he travels to Europe. Initially banned from racing due to his religious beliefs, he eventually gets to compete against all the European World Champions. He beats them all.








In 1910, at age 32, he retires from cycling after a two year hiatus and several failed business ventures. He also writes a book. In 1932, the Major dies and is buried in an unmarked grave. Frank Schwinn and Schwinn Bicycles donates money and time in 1948, and has his body exhumed. They provide him with a respectable burial and a new headstone.






Unlike Lance and the rest of the modern "Pro's," The Major was never accused of doping or cheating, only of being black. Amazingly enough, he still managed to be a champion under the most impossible of conditions.