An edition of the Littleton Independent
WEEK OF JULY 18, 2024
VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 33
$2
Annual criterium races toward Littleton City gears up for bicycle race event BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Downtown Littleton is flat. For most shopping areas, this wouldn’t be much of a selling point. But in Littleton, its topography creates the perfect conditions for a massive annual event, one that most Colorado cities can’t claim. From around the country — and sometimes around the world — cyclists travel to Littleton each summer for the Littleton Twilight Criterium. The day-long bicycle racing event starts with beginner competitions and culminates in professional races, where cyclists have been known to ride over 40 mph in their finishing sprints. “People are just giving it everything they got,” said Chip Brunk, the race director. This year, the criterium will take place from 2:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Aug. 3. The course — which includes portions of West Main Street, South Sycamore Street, West Berry Avenue, West Powers Avenue and South Curtice Street
Dove Valley Regional Park reopens after $18 million renovation Major upgrades include off-leash area, expanded trails and more parking BY ISABEL GUZMAN SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
event includes beer stations, food trucks, live music and a “kid’s zone” complete with face painting and an inflatable bounce house, Narde said. The last two races of the day are professional races and are part of an eight-race national series called the American Criterium
Arapahoe County unveiled the madeover Dove Valley Regional Park on July 8. After being closed for a transformative renovation since March 2023, the 35-year-old park has doubled in size to over 90 acres and boasts a plethora of new features. Visitors will find new walking trails, a larger playground, an off-leash dog park, outdoor fitness equipment, a sledding hill, upgraded picnic shelters and athletic fields, a new 165-car parking lot and refurbished restrooms.
SEE CRITERIUM, P26
SEE DOVE VALLEY, P12
Cyclists speed down the street during the Littleton Twilight Criterium in 2023. C OURTESY CITY OF LITTLETON
— will host 10 races over the course of the day and one “cruiser ride” open to the public. “We want to provide a free, fun day for Littleton residents to have a great family experience,” said city spokesperson Kelli Narde. “We also want to provide some economic benefit for our businesses.” In addition to the race, the
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