The Art of Celebration: A Tribute to Major Taylor, 1899 World Champion of Track Cycling.
- Whirlwind Staff
- Aug 10
- 3 min read
'' I shall never forget the thunderous applause that greeted me as I rode my victorious lap of honor around the track with a huge bouquet of roses. It was the first time that I had triumphed on foreign soil, and I thrilled as I heard the band strike up the "Star Spangled Banner." My national anthem took on a new meaning for me from that moment. I never felt so proud to be an American before, and indeed, I felt even more American at that moment than I had ever felt in America. This was the most impressive moment of my young life, and I was a mighty happy boy when I saw my trainer crate my bicycles that evening for I was still three months under twenty-one years of age when I won that world's championship and gold medal. During that joyous demonstration there was but one regret in my mind-that my manager, Mr. Munger, could not be present to actually witness his remarkable prophecy, "the fastest bicycle rider in the world," become a wonderful reality in such a spectacular manner. I considered my great championship success a big victory for him as well, not only for his confidence in me as a rider, but also on account of his high ideals and true sportsmanship for which he stood.
In my successes at the International Meet in Montreal I once more performed what among bicycle riders is considered a remarkable feat-winning two firsts on the same day, after having been "gypped" out of a first place in a race on the preceding day at the same track. That made two first places and one second place for me in the same program, an unusual feat particularly in view of the fact that one of my victories was a world's one-mile professional championship. The second victory was in the two-mile open event while the much discussed first place I lost at Montreal was in the half-mile open event in which the judges ruled I finished second, whereas the crowd of 18,000 figured I had won first place in this race also.'' Major Taylor The Fastest Bicycle Rider In The World 1828.
THE WORCESTER WHIRLWIND NITE
Join us for an evening with flair, history and style as we step back in time to recognize and celebrate bicycle champion Marshall W. “Major” Taylor.
This friendraiser event is in support of the upcoming film documentary “Whirlwind,” and is a chance to connect, support, build community, and share the journey around this film
with friends and supporters who make it possible.
The unveiling of a portrait painting from the collection “Resilience” created by Canadian bicycling champion, businessman and artist Louis Garneau will mark the transfer of its stewardship to Museum of Worcester.
Suggested Attire/Creativity Encouraged:
Modern or vintage cycling attire with a twist!
Embrace the spirit of the era - think lace gloves, pocket watches, top hats, brooches, corsages, parasols, bow ties, cycling chic.
Event Powered by the Worcester Whirlwind Fundraising Committee.
50% OFF- SPECIAL CELEBRATION DISCOUNT
Get 50% OFF- All items in shop today by applying discount code 1899 at check out.