Page:The fastest bicycle rider in the world - 1928 - Taylor.djvu/77

 “Major Taylor was superior to his fields today, as was Zimmerman superior in the days of long ago on the same track.

“For the one-third mile championship battle, Eddie Bald, Major Taylor, Tom Cooper, Arthur Gardiner and Howard Freeman were the most excellent line-up. Gardiner rushed off in the lead with Taylor and Bald just back of him, side by side, Taylor on the pole and Freeman and Cooper following, with Freeman on the pole directly behind Taylor. It was the Detroit man, Cooper, however, who made the jump for the tape and shot to the front, gaining two clear lengths. Taylor jumped from the side of Bald, then Freeman came up from the rear, Taylor quickly catching Cooper and gaining his side. At this point Freeman came to the front making the battle a three-cornered one to the tape, with Taylor winning out by inches over Freeman while Cooper was third. The three finished within half a length, Gardiner was fourth and Champion Bald last.”

I was given such a splendid ovation at the conclusion of that race that I determined to enter the two-mile championship event. However, some of my opponents were not anxious to have me start in that event and as I made my way to the dressing rooms one of them openly threatened me with bodily harm if I dared to start in that event. His objection was not based on anything that I had done to him because he did not even ride in the final of the one-third mile championship. Had there been any question in my mind about riding in that two-mile championship it would have been cast aside when I heard that threat. I decided on the spot that I would participate in that race, come what may, and it gave me no little pleasure to lead the field across the finish line for my second championship win of the afternoon, the time owing to excitement was not taken.

Again I quote from the Press account of the meet:

“For the two-mile championship Eddie Bald, Orlando Stevens, Major Taylor, Arthur Gardiner, and ‘Plugger’ Bill Martin formed the second block of five and a most excellent field. Bald jumped the gun but Taylor beat him in a good race for the pacemaker. Taylor was followed by Bald, Stevens, Gardiner and Martin.

““The pace was so fast that there was no change in positions until the bell lap, when Gardiner came from the rear with Martin on his rear wheel. The pair rounded Taylor and took the lead. Then Bald gained the side of Taylor, placing him in a bad pocket. Stevens made a hot sprint from the rear but was stalled off by Martin, who broke for the tape, which gave Taylor his liberty, the latter being in fourth place on entering the home stretch.

“With a clear field, Taylor jumped with a most wonderful burst of speed, but it was not before the tape was reached that he snatched