Waterland-community residents can enjoy the thrill of competitive racing with scenic Puget Sound in the background during the third annual Des Moines Criterium Bike Race on Sunday, June 29.

Racing begins at 9 a.m. and continues with multiple events until 5 p.m.

The starting/finish line is at South 223rd Street and 7th Avenue South, where riders also will register for each race individually. Registration begins at 7:45 a.m. and closes for each race 20 minutes prior to starting time.

The entry fee for U.S. Cycling Federation-licensed competitors is $20 per race. The entry fee for juniors is $10. One-day racing licenses are $10.

Spectators get to watch for free.

Race director Rob Anderson said the 1k, four-corner race course - which goes north on 7th Avenue, then west on 222nd Street to 6th Avenue and 223rd Street - "features a blazing fast back stretch and has a deceptively long and gradual uphill sprint to the finish.

"It's great for spectators and riders alike," Anderson added. "With the Des Moines waterfront as its background, you can't miss this quaint little town's bike race."

Several local downtown business that normally are closed Sundays plan to be open to serve race spectators during the day. Anderson noted that although the streets will be closed, local traffic will be able to get through when racers are not passing by.

Wines of Washington and the City of Des Moines are promoting the criterium.

For more information about individual races, call Rob Anderson at 206.779.0943.