HENNESSY VERY SPECIAL PRESENTS

THE ORIGINAL WORLD’S GREATEST ATHLETE

Hennessy celebrates those who "Never stop. Never settle." Marshall Taylor was a historic world champion - but he was still searching for something else.

In the late 19th century, cycling was the world’s biggest sport – and Marshall “Major” Taylor was its biggest superstar. As the first African American world champion in sports history, he paved the way for generations of athletes to come. An incredible sprinter, Taylor’s first pro event was a grueling six-day endurance race at Madison Square Garden. See the story of the race that launched his professional career.

A CHAMPION AMONG MEN

More than an athlete, Marshall “Major” Taylor was an African American World Champion who forever changed the meaning of the word superstar. As the world’s greatest cyclist, he broke world records and color barriers. Taylor embodied what it means to "Never Stop. Never Settle." Now, more than a century after becoming a cycling trailblazer, Hennessy is honoring Marshall “Major” Taylor on the world’s greatest stage.

LEGACY

Marshall Taylor broke down barriers, he changed perceptions, he did something that was unprecedented

— NIGEL SYLVESTER, PROFESSIONAL BMX RIDER

"IMPACT BEYOND THE TRACK "

"Marshall ""Major"" Taylor's legacy was even bigger than what he accomplished on the track. He is said to have been a pioneer before the pioneers. Taylor has been an inspiration for generations of athletes, including contemporary pro cyclists like Nigel Sylvester and Ayesha McGowan. To this day, there are cycling clubs all across the country that bear Major Taylor’s name.

His impact goes beyond the world of Cycling. Taylor’s ""Never Stop. Never Settle."" attitude is celebrated by brands and individuals across the globe. Pyer Moss, the National Brotherhood of Cyclists, Affinity Cycles and Kadir Nelson all partnered with Hennessy to bring Taylor’s influence to life."

"In a word, I was a pioneer, and therefore had to blaze my own trail."

— MARSHALL "MAJOR" TAYLOR

PYER MOSS

As part of its partnership with Hennessy, Pyer Moss is celebrating the life and achievements of Marshall “Major” Taylor. The label released a five-piece Taylor-inspired collection—MMT 140—that gives a nod to the cycling champion’s inner rivalry.

VISIT PYER MOSS

KADIR NELSON

Hennessy has commissioned the artist & cycling enthusiast to honor the timeless legacy of Marshall “Major” Taylor with a modern-day bronze MMT monument, entitled “The Major.”

VIEW KADIR NELSON'S WORK

AFFINITY CYCLES

To celebrate the iconic Marshall “Major” Taylor, Hennessy has enlisted Affinity Cycles to create a limited-edition MMT bike in honor of and inspired by the champion cyclist’s own bicycle. A nod to the era he raced in, the bicycle design—like Taylor—is both powerful and timeless.

VISIT AFFINITY

THE NATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF CYCLISTS

The National Brotherhood of Cyclists—a collection of cycling clubs from around the country that share a love of cycling—was founded in Marshall “Major” Taylor’s honor. To honor his legacy, Hennessy and the National Brotherhood of Cyclists created the Hennessy Full-Ride Scholarship to help the next generation pursue their dreams.

VISIT THE NBS