Sam Taylor illustrates a fictional pantheon of “the best cyclists of all time”

Pantheon For Speed is an illustrated series from Sam Taylor for online road cycling platform Manual For Speed. It gathers together some the “best cyclists ever” to change the current opinion that cycling has “gone soft” and lacks the “excitement, flair, flamboyance and thrill”. According to Sam the article and the editorial illustrations that sit alongside aim to “help contemporary cycling and instil the chaotic beauty of yesteryear” by lining up cyclists including Eddy Merckx, Sean Kelly, Roger De Vlaeminck, Mario Cipollini and Marco Pantani. “My job was to bring Manual for Speed’s idea to life. I had to illustrate each legendary cyclist, a couple of logos and the main banner illustration of them, in a last supper style,” says Sam. “It was really fun because all the cyclists have really strong personalities.” 


The project started with a lot of research by Sam going over vital stats, watching videos on YouTube and reading articles about each cyclist. “All of the guys have something unique about them, it’s like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in a way, every one has a certain skill and they all have great nicknames,” explains Sam. One great example is Eddy Merckx, AKA The Cannibal: “He’s considered the great cyclist of all time and the leader of this Pantheon – so his illustration has a bunch of human limbs and blood.” This is depicted in Sam’s garish and humorous style, where grotesque detail is enhanced by his bold use of colour. 

As well as the cyclists, Sam had the task of drawing actual bikes for the project, something he’s not entirely at ease with. “I find bikes really hard. Anyone can draw a bike but to draw it with era-specific details is another level,” says Sam. The illustrator also wanted to capture the likeness of each cyclist to bring some character to the series and pay homage to the fans who’ve followed the sport for decades. “The likeness of each dude wasn’t too difficult as they all have great faces and there are a lot of classic photos of them online. Especially Marco Pantani, who is like a real life cartoon character.” 

Each illustration aims to tell the story of what’s special about the cyclists. “Merckx’s dominant aggression. Pantani’s climbing ability and swagger. Cipollini’s bravado and sex appeal. Kelly crossing the line first, like he always did and De Vlaeminck owning the cobbles in any weather,” says Sam. “The banner illustration shows the reader where the important decisions are made for world cycling, it’s in the clouds, it’s classic.”