Group Health Sponsors Velodrome

Group Health has naming rights to Washington state's only velodrome, part of Group Health's effort to promote healthy lifestyles. A velodrome (vell-oh-drome) is a banked oval for track cycling races.

The Group Health Velodrome is in King County's Marymoor Park near Redmond. The five-year partnership between Group Health and King County Parks, through 2008, is part of a county initiative to create more revenue for regional parks. Group Health's goal is to encourage people to improve their health by becoming more physically active.

The track officially opened for racing as the Marymoor Velodrome in the spring of 1975. Olympic medalist Rebecca Twigg, from Bellevue, and 20-time junior national champion Ryan Miller, from Kirkland, are just two of the stellar local cyclists who have raced there.

Spectators Welcome
The track isn't just for racers. The facility also was designed with spectators in mind. In addition to spectator stands, people may watch the races from the grassy banks above the track. The banks are a good place to spread out a picnic and relax.

Races on Monday start at 7 p.m. The Wednesday and Friday races begin at 7:30 p.m. The Monday and Wednesday races are free for spectators. Admission is $4 on Fridays, with no charge for youth under 16.

Friday Night Series
As part of the partnership at the velodrome, Group Health also is sponsoring a racing series there. The Group Health Friday Night Racing Series in 2008 runs from May 30 through Sept. 12, with up to 15 races a night.

Races are by category, from beginning racers to those qualified to compete at the international or Olympic level.

Other Events and Classes
The Marymoor Velodrome Association, a mostly volunteer group, sponsors Wednesday races, track classes, and cycling classes for children and teens at the Group Health Velodrome.

Classes are designed for all ability levels and include instruction on track techniques, group riding skills, bike handling and control techniques, and general velodrome history and understanding. After taking a class, riders may participate in the Monday Night Racing Series for new and junior racers.

For more information on classes and races, contact the Marymoor Velodrome Association.

Directions
The Group Health Velodrome is in Marymoor Park, 6046 West Lake Sammamish Parkway N.E., Redmond.

From I-5 or I-405, take State Route 520 east to the West Lake Sammamish Parkway exit. At the bottom of the ramp, turn right (southbound) onto West Lake Sammamish Parkway N.E. The park entrance is at the next traffic light; turn left into the park.

You also may reach the park by foot or bicycle from the Burke-Gilman/Sammamish River Trail.

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