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  • Major Taylor

  • The Inspiring Story of a Black Cyclist and the Men Who Helped Him Achieve Worldwide Fame
  • By: Conrad Kerber, Terry Kerber
  • Narrated by: Barrie Buckner
  • Length: 15 hrs and 17 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (16 ratings)

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Major Taylor

By: Conrad Kerber, Terry Kerber
Narrated by: Barrie Buckner
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Summary

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. When hotel and restaurant operators denied Taylor food and lodgings, forcing him to sleep in horse stables and to race hungry, there was a benevolent racer-turned-trainer named Birdie Munger, who took Taylor under his wing and into his home. 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. Taylor’s manager, pugnacious Irishman and famed Broadway producer William Brady, stood up for him when track owners tried barring him from competition. 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 a classic that will be enjoyed by everyone.

©2014 Conrad Kerber and Terry Kerber (P)2014 Audible, Inc.
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Featured article: The best biking audiobooks


From humble beginnings as a travel option to international tournaments, the history of cycling is full of great stories. Check out our list for inspiring tales of triumph, advice on how to improve your skills, and fascinating insights into the sport.

What listeners say about Major Taylor

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A really interesting listen. A journey through the

life of an African American man who became the fastest man on two wheels. Lots of social history.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant and fascinating story

An absolutely amazing story of an amazing man’s life. To hear about the racism that went on and indeed still goes on in the US to this day in comparison with the rest of the world is unbelievable.
The book was only tainted slightly by the atrocious pronunciation of French words by the narrator. Some were funny, some just cringe worthy! Following on from this book I am now going to do my own studies into Major Taylor, just such a fascinating person. Brilliant

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

fascinating story of struggles and success

As a cyclist, this was a fascinating story of a forgotten era of cycling.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The first cycling superstar

An amazing story of fortitude, excellence and challenge. Major Taylor led an inspiring life - persevered through a time when segregation was the norm and so had to work even harder to gain visibility and recognition for his ability and prowess. I love cycling and this is a great book to discover another side of the sport (the age of the track and wheelmen) as well as the birth and growth of cycling in America and around the world. An excellent book, well read and full of humanity as well as insightful information about the roots of cycling.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Who would have thought a story like this could happened in America in the late 1800's.🌿🌿 Just Wow!👀

Recommend to all who love a great true story of struggle, determination and outright tenacious grit .🌿🌿

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

absolutely amazing story.

inspirational and remarkable achievement to overcome racism in the late 1890 to warm and inspire change in people through cycle racing.
Major Taylor's achievements are ahead of his time on the bike and off the bike.
This is one of the best historical cycling stories I have heard to date.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

a wonderful man

This could have been a brilliant book but it is shamefully dull. Vast sections of repetitive travel details and unnecessary detail. I wish someone would get hold if this, feel the spirit and beauty of the man and tell the story!

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