Page:The fastest bicycle rider in the world - 1928 - Taylor.djvu/78

 the lead and won by two feet with Gardiner, Martin, Stevens and Bald close up in that order.”

Just before this two-mile race was started a spectator came to me and asked if he could say a few words in private. He was highly excited but I granted his request and we moved off a few feet. He told me he had overheard the other riders planning to throw me. He

implored me not to ride in this race, but I thanked him and told him I was determined to participate regardless of what might happen. However, the information together with the threat one of the riders had made to me personally, had its affect on me and I became nervous. I went to the officials and asked if they would put in double pacemakers for this final and place a very low time limit on the race that we might attempt to establish a world’s record for the distance. “I am feeling tip-top today,” I told the officials, “and if you will grant this request I assure you that you will see the greatest race you have ever witnessed on this track, or ever will witness on it, and this, regardless of who wins.”

Reluctantly they agreed to my plan. However, I had to explain to them my reason for making these unusual requests. I explained to them that the other riders were out to injure me and the only chance