Valley Preferred Cycling Center track season kicking off Friday

The Valley Preferred Cycling Center in Trexlertown, Pennsylvania, will begin its season on June 5. The popular Friday night professional racing series has a history of attracting the best cyclists from around the world.

Local Bobby Lea of Mertztown, will be returning to the velodrome. Lea, of Ouch Pro Cycling Team, will be challenged by a rising group of American riders led by first-year senior Lanell Rockmore and Shane Kline, as well as top international riders from countries including Argentina, Australia, France, Germany and South Africa, among others.

"I can't imagine a better place to come back to and start my summer again after competing in the Olympics," said Lea. "This is where I grew up, where I learned how to ride my bike and I'm thankful that my Ouch/Maxxis road cycling team is letting me step away from their program, so I can come back and race here."

The 2009 series of races will include nine Friday night events, up from seven in 2008. This year's schedule includes three events each in June, July and August.

Valley Preferred Cycling Calendar

June 5: US 10 Mile Championships
June 12: Rodale Festival of Speed
June 26: Red Robin BRL All-Star Finals
July 10: The Golden Wheel Race
July 17: Keirin Cup
July 31: Tandem National Championships
August 7: Rodale US Sprint Gran Prix
August 14: Air Products Finals
August 28: Salamander Madison Cup.