The thrill of Friday night bicycle races on the banked oval track of the Group Health Velodrome has returned to King County’s Marymoor Park.

With up to nine races a night, each competition features cyclists of similar skills – from beginners to accomplished racers, including local Olympians and world champions. Races are scheduled for every Friday evening through Sept. 12 at the Group Health Velodrome – the only such track in the state.

“The races at Marymoor are a great event for participants and spectators alike,” said King County Parks Division Director Kevin Brown. “Fans can watch all the action from trackside bleacher seats or from a grassy berm above the oval track.”

Group Health Cooperative began this partnership and naming rights with King County Parks in 2004. Over the course of their five year-commitment, the partnership will mean $610,000 to support the general maintenance and operations of parks facilities, and both competitive and non-competitive cycling events, classes and programs.

The Marymoor Velodrome Association (MVA), a nonprofit volunteer organization that manages educational and competition programs at the velodrome, provides skill development and cycling experiences for all ages.

MVA sponsors Monday, Wednesday and Friday races, adult track classes, and cycling classes for children and teens at the Group Health Velodrome.

From April through December, the MVA manages the promotion of more than 70 Track Racing and Cyclocross events, as well as 60 days of cycling classes.

Monday night racing is under way and runs through Aug. 26, while Wednesday races will go through Sept. 10.

For more information about the Group Health Velodrome or MVA visit http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/marymoor/velodrome.html.

For more information, contact Craig Groshart at cgroshart@reporternewspapers.com.