Page:The fastest bicycle rider in the world - 1928 - Taylor.djvu/61

 of the field rather than from its rear. In a word I was to maneuver into the front of the field (in second or third position) as we came into the home stretch on the last lap. I reasoned that in my hard sprint, which won me the one-quarter-mile event at the Manhattan Beach track a few weeks previous, had I started my dash for the tape from the front of the field, instead of the rear, I would have won by between eight and ten wheel lengths instead of the ten-inch margin that separated me from Eaton who was in second position.

As I made my way to the starting line for the big race I heard my trainer urge me not to try out my new tactics that afternoon. I rode in my customary style until the bell rang announcing the start of the final lap, and then I forgot the good advice of my trainer and started riding on my own initiative. At the sound of the bell all of the racers started to maneuver for what are generally considered the choice positions, known to riders as the winning positions. As we entered the back stretch I slipped into second position being on Arthur Gardiner's rear wheel.

Let me quote from the Philadelphia Press:—"As the bunch took the turn into the home stretch at terrific speed, Bald jumped from the middle of the bunch and plowed into the lead like a shot, for he was coming like a champion never came before, and the spectators were yelling like mad for the boy from Buffalo, but in the midst of the excitement in the grand rush for the big purse which was to be the winner's end, the little black form of the colored boy was seen to forge rapidly to the front. He overtook Champion Bald halfway down the home stretch, passing Eaton like a flash, beating him out by 10 lengths. In an instant the crowd was on its feet and the cheering for Bald was quickly changed to wild cries for 'Taylor, Taylor,' and Taylor it was for sure.

"The colored boy just flew past the champion while the band played, and the crowd cheered and cheered. Long after the race was over the applause kept up, and Major Taylor was obliged to ride around the track several times bowing his acknowledgment of the cheers of the spectators."

Naturally I was elated at having won such a great race, but I was even more proud because of the fact that my strategy had worked out so well.

While I was heartily congratulated by many of the riders and officials, not one of the racers that I had defeated, however, saw their way clear to shake my hand. That some of them at least were peeved because of my victory became apparent while they were racing for the honors in the one-mile handicap event which was held shortly after the championship number.