Butch Martin was a pioneer in cycling in the United States, as the second black to ride for the US at the Olympics, after Herbie Francis. He started riding in 1963 with Unione Sportiva Italiano, where he was tutored by Francis. Martin rode the team pursuit at the 1964 Olympics and the 100 km team time trial in 1968. He raced from 1963-73, also competing at the 1971 Pan American Games. Martin later became a coach and a race director. He was road coach for the US Cycling Federation from 1974-77. He was race director for the 1988-89 Tour of the Americans, and in 1990 was race director for the US National Road Championships, while in 1993 Martin directed the West Virginia Mountain Classic. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of US PRO, the original American pro cycling organization. Martin later settled in Rock Creek, Oregon, coaching CMG-Racing.