About Eddie Malanowicz

Thomas Montemage: Buffalo’s Olympic Cyclist and Everyday Hero

Buffalo, New York, has long been home to individuals who embody determination and grit, and few reflect this spirit as well as Thomas Montemage. Born on January 21, 1927, Montemage rose from the streets of Buffalo to compete on the world’s biggest stage as an Olympic cyclist. While his moments of international glory were significant, it was his commitment to his community and his lifelong love for cycling that truly defined his legacy.

Early Life and Cycling Beginnings

Thomas Montemage grew up in Buffalo and graduated from Kensington High School, where his athletic talent began to shine. His passion for cycling was sparked during his teenage years as he raced at what is now Martin Luther King Park. At a young age, Montemage demonstrated not only raw talent but immense discipline and a profound love for competition.

Drafted into the Army near the end of World War II in 1945, Montemage’s athletic prowess caught the attention of many when he won a cycling competition representing Fort Dix at Crystal Beach in Ontario. This early victory ignited his dream of competing at the Olympics, and he would go on to turn that dream into reality.

Olympic Achievements

Thomas Montemage’s dedication to cycling earned him a place on the United States Olympic team three times. He competed in the 1948 London Games, the 1952 Helsinki Games, and the 1964 Tokyo Games, auditioning for a total of five Olympics throughout his career. His primary events included team pursuit on the track and long-distance road races—disciplines that tested both stamina and strategy.

One of Montemage’s proudest cycling records was his half-mile “flat track” time of 1 minute and 4.2 seconds, achieved at Buffalo’s Connecticut Street Armory. Remarkably, this record was set before cycling tracks were banked, adding to the feat’s difficulty.

Although he didn’t earn medals at the Olympics, Montemage competed with some of the world’s finest cyclists. Reflecting on his Olympic experiences, he once remarked, “There’s fun in competition. I didn’t make money. I beat the best in the country, but it didn’t matter. I just had fun. That was the best time to ride.”

A Cycling Legend in Buffalo

Montemage’s contributions to cycling extended far beyond his Olympic aspirations. He competed well into his 50s, earning gold medals in the Empire State Games as a senior and master cyclist during the 1980s. He was also featured on the front page of The New York Times and The Buffalo News for his enduring achievements in the sport.

His passion for cycling was a family tradition. His father had been a champion racer, and while his brothers briefly flirted with the sport, Thomas was the one who carried the legacy forward. Cycling became more than a sport—it was a part of his identity. Even in his later years, Montemage relied on his trusty bicycle for both recreation and his daily commute. He opted to ride his bike to his job as a Buffalo firefighter, embodying both his love for physical activity and his down-to-earth nature.

Service to the Community

While Montemage’s athletic prowess brought him fame, his dedication to his community was equally admirable. For decades, he served as a Buffalo firefighter, balancing his role as a public servant with his passion for cycling. It’s no surprise that his daughter, Mary Flanigan, described him as “a low-key hardworking individual” who always emphasized that success on the bike was more about the rider than the machine.

When not fighting fires or competing on the track, Montemage could be found cycling through the Boston Hills near Buffalo—famously challenging himself to tackle its rolling terrain. His energy was boundless, and he encouraged others to push their limits, spreading a love of cycling wherever he went.

Lesser-Known Facts and Anecdotes

• Montemage held an impressive feat of riding his bicycle for both work and training well into his late 70s. His dedication reflected his belief that cycling was as much about joy as it was about competition.
• He often chose hilly routes intentionally to test his endurance, showing an unrivaled passion for improving himself.
• “It’s not the bike that wins the race, it’s the person riding,” he often declared—a philosophy that became a mantra for those who knew him.

A Lifelong Legacy

Thomas Montemage passed away on January 31, 2014, at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy defined by perseverance, humility, and passion for life. He is survived by his wife, Lois, whom he was married to for 61 years, and his children and grandchildren who continue to honor his memory.

For Buffalo, Montemage represents the best of what the city has to offer—a hometown hero who achieved greatness on the global stage while staying deeply connected to his roots. From cycling to firefighting, his life was a testament to hard work, resilience, and the pursuit of joy through both sport and service.

Here’s to Thomas Montemage—a Buffalo native who pedaled his way to Olympic fame while remaining a beloved figure in his hometown. His story inspires not just cyclists but anyone with a dream and the determination to achieve it.