ABOUT MAJOR TAYLOR

Track racing was once as popular as baseball or boxing in the United States. Between 1890 and 1910, few athletes were as well-known as track cyclists, especially Indianapolis-born cycling legend Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor. The first African-American athlete to be a member of an integrated professional team and the first black world record holder, Major Taylor is the namesake of Indy’s only velodrome, built in 1982. Learn more about this successful and talented world champion who overcame many challenges to be one of the most successful athletes of his time.

The Major Taylor Velodrome celebrates its 30th Anniversary in 2012 as a part of the Indy Cycloplex, a City Park venue now managed by Marian University on behalf of the community.  Cyclists and spectators will continue to enjoy racing at this venerable Indianapolis venue, which will hosts many races and cycling events year-round, including the Major Taylor Racing League and has regularly hosted USA Cycling Track National Championships.

More can be found about Marshall “Major” Taylor on the Major Taylor Association’s website.

Timeline of Major Taylor’s life:

  • Born in Indianapolis in 1878

  • At 13, wins first road race

  • At 16, wins a road race in Indianapolis in horrible weather conditions, is the only rider to finish

  • At 17, breaks current world mile record by over eight seconds

  • At 18 (1896) begins his professional career at a six-day race at Madison Square Garden in New York and finishes in the top 10

  • In 1898, sets the fastest mile world record, beating an international champion and skyrockets to fame

  • In 1899, Major Taylor rides one mile on a trainer in 43 seconds, at a speed of roughly 82 miles per hour

  • In 1901, he travels to race in France and finds success among the best of the best in Europe, winning 18 of his 24 races, including a world championship sprint title

  • Retires from professional racing in 1932

Facts:

  • Delivered newspapers via bicycle as a boy

  • Started working in a bike shop at 13 when downtown Indianapolis’s Washington Street was lined with bicycle shops due to the interest and excitement for bicycling as transportation

  • It is likely that Taylor received his nickname of "Major" because he performed cycling stunts outside his bike shop wearing a military uniform

Palmarès:

  • World champion in 1899

  • American sprint champion in 1899 and 1900

  • Multiple-time World Record holder

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VELODROME HISTORY

Named for international cycling legend and Indianapolis native, Marshall “Major” Taylor, the velodrome was actually the first building in Indianapolis that was built with public funds to be named for an African American when it was erected in 1982. Thanks to a bid won by the Indiana Sports Corporation, Indianapolis was set to cement its reputation as the “Amateur Sports Capital of the World” by hosting the 1982 National Sports Festival. However, the city was short a natatorium, a track stadium and of course, a velodrome necessary for the festival competition.

All three venues were built to state-of-the-art standards via partnership between the Indianapolis Parks and Recreation Dept. and the Lilly Endowment.  The Major Taylor Velodrome (MTV) alone was a bit of an engineering marvel, having been strategically nestled into the side of a knoll that blends seamlessly atop a natural flood plain.

Just five years later in 1987, the tenth Pan American Games ascended upon the Circle City and the Veldorome. Other noteable events hosted at MTV include the 1982 US Olympic Festival, Junior Track Nationals in 1992, 1999, and 2002; Elite Track Nationals in 1985, 1993, 1994 and 1995; Masters Track Nationals in 2000, 2005, 2013, and 2016; and Collegiate Track Nationals in 1993, 1998, 2003, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2021 and 2022.

Unfortunately, in recent years the venue suffered a slow and steady decline in both usage and condition. However, the MTV’s saving grace may just be that the track did serve as an impetus for neighboring Marian University to form a USA Cycling collegiate cycling team in 1992. Now with 47 team National Championships in cycling, the Catholic liberal arts institution has come to the aid of the MTV. Joining with Indy Parks and the City of Indianapolis, Marian University has led the charge to resurrect the Velodrome as a part of the comprehensive Indy Cycloplex facility. Together, these entities are creating a new, brighter history for the property.