Poosha Madonna
The city’s large Italian American community may have accounted for the success of the Cyclodrome as a racing venue. Ineligible for the American Cyclist Title, because he was foreign born, Madonna carried the flag of Italy in the popular Golden Race Extravanganza. He had a huge following of Italian supporters who were responsible for giving him the nickname “Poosha Madonna.” When racers were heading toward the finish line they would scream POOSHA, POOSHA MADONNA to cheer him on. This was the war cry that inspired half the fans and infuriated the rest. At only five feet two he once recorded the speed of 67 miles per hour.