American Championship Cyclist. Between 1897 and 1900, he was considered "the fastest bicycle rider in the world." In 1898 and 1899, he established several world records in bicycle racing and in 1899 he won the World Championship in bicycle sprint racing. In doing so, he became the second African American to earn a world championship. In 1901, he toured Europe, defeating every European bicycle sprint champion of that year. He also raced in Australia prior to retiring in 1910. In the later part of his life, Taylor endured a variety of emotional, physical and financial hardships. When he died, he was first buried in a pauper's grave in the welfare section of the Mount Glenwood Cemetery, on the south side of Chicago. In 1948, through the efforts of Alec Kennedy, the chairman of the Bicycle Racing Stars of the Nineteenth Century, and the benevolence of Frank Schwinn, owner of the Schwinn Bicycle Company, Taylor's remains were moved to a more honorable place in the cemetery and a memorial was erected. Indianapolis, Taylor's original home, has erected its "Major Taylor Velodrome" in his honor.
American Championship Cyclist. Between 1897 and 1900, he was considered "the fastest bicycle rider in the world." In 1898 and 1899, he established several world records in bicycle racing and in 1899 he won the World Championship in bicycle sprint racing. In doing so, he became the second African American to earn a world championship. In 1901, he toured Europe, defeating every European bicycle sprint champion of that year. He also raced in Australia prior to retiring in 1910. In the later part of his life, Taylor endured a variety of emotional, physical and financial hardships. When he died, he was first buried in a pauper's grave in the welfare section of the Mount Glenwood Cemetery, on the south side of Chicago. In 1948, through the efforts of Alec Kennedy, the chairman of the Bicycle Racing Stars of the Nineteenth Century, and the benevolence of Frank Schwinn, owner of the Schwinn Bicycle Company, Taylor's remains were moved to a more honorable place in the cemetery and a memorial was erected. Indianapolis, Taylor's original home, has erected its "Major Taylor Velodrome" in his honor.
Bio by: Warrick L. Barrett
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