Black Champions in Cycling
Desire Discrimination Determination – Black Champions in Cycling
by Marlon Moncrieffe
Desire Discrimination Determination – Black Champions in Cycling is a collection of stories exploring the black experience of competitive cycling, a thorough and thoughtful exploration of the rich and often overlooked history of black cyclists. A world-leading expert on the history and lives of black cycling champions, former elite racer and academic Dr Marlon Moncrieffe combines his own experience of elite-level racing with that of several contributors.
This is the first book of its kind, with such a collection of stories, personal reflections and interviews from the sport’s historical icons and present-day change-makers, tackling prevalent issues regarding access, diversity, inclusion and representation. Exploring how prominent figures such as Major Taylor and Maurice Burton first discovered cycling and from the first non-white rider to race the Tour de France in 1914 to the black cyclists pushing boundaries today, discover how a determination to succeed in the face of discrimination defined the racing careers of these great athletes.
“Desire Discrimination Determination – Black Champions in Cycling feels like it sows the seeds of change itself. It draws together many voices putting Black cyclists in control of their own narrative, creating a record that is greatly needed”
“We’re all humans living on the same planet, ultimately no different from one another. Discrimination, for any reason, is simply unacceptable. Marlon Lee Moncrieffe is to be applauded for having written this book, as are Rapha and Bluetrain for publishing it”
“It will be interesting to see what effect such a book has: will it change anything? Will it even reach the right audience? Will it prompt other sports to do something similar? Possibly not, but it must surely be worth trying. In the short time since launch, this book has sold faster than any other book by Rapha – which must be a positive sign”
In writing the book Marlon relied heavily on his own racing experiences, research, and analytical expertise through wide range of stories, personal reflections, and oral testimonies and interviews. We learn from different generations of well-known black cyclists including; Major Taylor, Kittie Knox, David Weller, Maurice Burton, Russell Williams, Nelson Vails, Justin and Cory Williams, Gregory Bauge, Rashaan Bahati, Kevin Reza, Tre Whyte, Shanaze Reade, David Clarke, Ayesha McGowan, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, Nicholas Dlamini, and many more.
Desire Discrimination Determination – Black Champions in Cycling is set to make a groundbreaking contribution of knowledge so desperately needed in international cycle racing. Taking on issues regarding access, diversity, inclusion, representation and anti-racism in policy and practice. This book will provide much needed insight and become a seminal reference point for cycling organisations, journalists, commentators, thought leaders and policymakers.
Display typeface: Martin by Vocal Type. Martin is a non-violent display typeface inspired by those used on civil rights signs and 1960s demonstration posters. Vocal Type was founded by Tré Seals and aims to introduce a diverse perspective to the typographic world.
Body typeface: Dapifer by Darden Studio. Darden Studio was founded by African American typeface designer Joshua Darden and is continued by Joyce Ketterer.