Many of the world’s top track cyclists from Canada, New Zealand, Australia and across the U.S. converged on Marymoor Park’s Velodrome last weekend for the fifth-annual Full Speed Ahead (FSA) Grand Prix.

The international field battled for a total of $15,600 in prize money, and New Zealand’s national champion, James Allen, came out on top in the “Omnium,” or overall, points list with 41, edging out two-time Olympian Jame Carney of Tucson, Ariz. who finished with 36.

In the women’s field, it was a battle of national champions as Australian Laura McCaughey took the overall title, followed by U.S. star Cari Higgins.

Tied for third were locals Tela Crane, who runs the kids’ cycling classes at Marymoor, and two-time Olympian Jennie Reed, who lives in Kirkland and came out of retirement to participate in the event.

“Over the past two years, and in particular this year, (the Grand Prix) has made that magical leap into becoming one of the top weekend track events in the world,” said Grand Prix director David Mann, adding that he is looking for a name sponsor for 2011. “Its reputation is only growing … and the racers love the event and are set to come back in even greater numbers.”

For more information or to view results of the event, visit www.fsagrandprix.com

To see more photos from the Velodrome check out staff photographer Chad Coleman’s photo blog, Focus Northwest