Woody Headspeth facts for kids
Woody Headspeth (born June 14, 1881 – died April 16, 1941) was an American professional cyclist. He was also known as Hedspeth or Hedspath. Woody was one of the first African American cyclists to race professionally, first in the United States and later in Europe. He was a friend of Major Taylor, who was a world champion cyclist.
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Racing in the United States
Woody Headspeth was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. His biggest win in the U.S. was at the Six Day Race in Dayton, Ohio. This was a challenging race where cyclists rode around the clock. He also raced in the Six Day Race in New York City in 1903. In that race, he and his teammate, Dove, finished 11th. Besides racing, Headspeth also worked as a bicycle mechanic.
Moving to Europe
Headspeth decided to leave the U.S. and go to Europe because he often had trouble getting a racing license in the U.S. This was due to the color of his skin. In Europe, he found more opportunities to race. He competed in exciting motor-paced races, especially in Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium.
In 1903, he took part in the 24-hour Bol d’Or race in Paris, France, but he could not finish it. The next year, in 1904, he came back to the United States. He raced in Dayton, Ohio, and set a new hour record there. After that, Headspeth returned to Europe. He teamed up with Emanuel Kudela from Bohemia. Together, they came in second place in a 24-hour race at the Velodrome in Steglitz, near Berlin, Germany.
Challenges and Later Career
Even though Europe was more open than the U.S., Woody still faced some unfair treatment. For example, when he raced in Amsterdam in 1905, the race program listed every other cyclist's country. But next to Headspeth's name, it just said "negro."
Woody Headspeth continued to race bicycles in Europe until he was 50 years old. He also worked on cycling tracks as an assistant and mechanic. He even helped the world champion stayer, Victor Linart.
Personal Life and Final Days
Woody Headspeth was married in the U.S. in 1899. Later, in France, he had a relationship with a ballet dancer, and they had a daughter.
When German forces took over Paris in June 1940 during World War II, Headspeth was not well. He left France and traveled to Portugal. There, the Red Cross helped him. Woody Headspeth sadly died in Lisbon from typhus and tuberculosis. He is buried in Lisbon. His belongings were simple.
