MAJOR TAYLOR

The entire reason we are here is because of our namesake, Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor. He was a cycling legend that won the 1-mile and 2-mile track sprint world championships in Canada in 1899. Major Taylor was the first black athlete to be a world champion in any sport. He was in his teens! He won sprint championships in 1899 and 1900. His legacy and story inspires and should be celebrated. Below you will find resources to learn more about him and his story.

On 1/27/22 we made our first inquiry to the Major Taylor Association to see what it would take to become an official club.

Less than a month later on 2/22/22 we had our first jerseys arrive.

Mid-March I traveled to Indianapolis to see the Velodrome named after Major Taylor and visit the museum exhibit telling about his life. This left an impact on me personally and it prompted me to act!

On 3/22/22 MTIA became a friend of and an associated club with the Major Taylor Association.

The first days of April social media posts were shared telling the world we were here!

June 11th and June 14th MTIA was represented at the Buffalo Soldier rides in Ankeny and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Our first Monday Night Signature Ride was organized on 6/13/22.

We were able to get in on the first ever Major Taylor Invitational in Indianapolis on 6/16-18/22. It is here we realized how special it was to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. There are clubs all over the US and even international clubs. The feeling absorbed during the Invitational put on by the Major Taylor International Cycling Alliance is, we are ALL family! The relationships gained, support and love offered under the Major Taylor name is like nothing I have ever experienced before. If you choose to join us you are contributing to the lasting legacy of a powerful story. We’re glad you found us!

The Major Taylor Association website also lists all of the associated clubs and gives more insighful information into the life of Major Taylor.

Our sister club from New Jersey has a nice written summary of Major Taylor and his life.