Major Taylor: The Inspiring Story of a Black Cyclist and the Men Who Helped Him Achieve Worldwide Fame (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781510704169)

"Before Magic, before Ali, before Jesse Owens, there was Major Taylor. . . . This is a must read for] anyone interested in the transcendent power of the bicycle as a vehicle of real freedom."--Bob Roll, NBC cycling analyst and former professional cyclist

In the wake of the Tour de France's fallen heroes, the story of one of history's most legendary cyclists provides a much-needed antidote. In 1907 the world's most popular athlete was not Cy Young or Ty Cobb. Rather, he was a black bicycle racer named "Major" Taylor.

In his day, Taylor became a spiritual and athletic idol. He was the fastest man in America, and a champion who prevailed over unspeakable cruelty. The men who aided him were among the most colorful to emerge from the era. First there was Taylor's manager, pugnacious Irishman and famed Broadway producer William Brady. Then along came Arthur Zimmerman, an internationally famous bike racer, who gently mentored Taylor when some riders drew the color line and refused to race against him. When hotel and restaurant operators denied Taylor food and lodgings, forcing him to sleep in horse stables and race hungry, there was a benevolent racer-turned-trainer named Birdie Munger, who took Taylor under his wing and into his home. From the Old World came a rakishly handsome, mustachioed sports promoter named Victor Breyer, who lured Taylor overseas for a dramatic, Seabiscuit versus War Admiral-like match race that would be widely remembered a quarter century later.

With a foreword by World Champion and three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond, this spellbinding saga of fortitude, grace, forgiveness, and a man's unyielding will to win against the greatest of odds is sure to become an classic that will be enjoyed by everyone.

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Author: Conrad Kerber, Terry Kerber
ISBN-10: 1510704167
ISBN-13: 9781510704169
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
Language: English
Published: 04/26/2016
Pages: 448
Format: Paperback
Weight: 1.20lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 1.30d

About the Author
Conrad Kerber and Terry Kerber are both senior partners in a suburban Minneapolis investment firm. Conrad lives in Chanhassen, Minnesota and Terry lives in Deephaven, Minnesota.

Greg LeMond is a former professional road racing cyclist. He is a two-time World Champion and winner of the Tour de France three times. He lives in Medina, Minnesota.