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Are you gearing up to cheer during Sunday’s five-lap final stage of the Pro Cycling Challenge in Denver? Here’s where to watch—and where to eat. After all, seeing those athletes burn so much fuel just makes a person hungry.
Civic Center Park: The State Capitol building hosts the start and finish of the day’s race, including the awards ceremony directly afterward. Expect the race to start just before 1 p.m. and finish just before 4 p.m.
Fuel up: If the food trucks don’t appeal, it’s just a short wander to City O’ City and its vegatarian-friendly menu. Need a little pick-me-up? Try the bebida verde, a mix of mescal, kale, cucumber, fennel, and lemonade. It’s like a salad in a glass.
17th Avenue: From the Capitol, sprinters will speed up East 17th Avenue, within easy viewing of the many of the restaurants lining the street.
Fuel up: Pick your favorite eatery, and post up on the outdoor patio. But if you really want to get into the spirit of things, head to Denver’s Bicycle Cafe for coffee or beer (and a tune-up!).
City Park: This is the eastern turnaround point for each lap (9.4 miles each). Find a seat along the south side of the park or near the gazebo for the best viewing.
Fuel up: This spot practically begs for a picnic. Get yours at the newly opened Sprouts Farmers Market on East Colfax Avenue or perennial favorite Marczyk’s Fine Foods on East 17th Avenue.
Larimer Square: Expect some thrills here, where riders have to navigate tight turns at 15th and Larimer streets before cruising back down Speer Boulevard toward the Capitol to complete the lap—and then do it all again (the Denver stage is five laps).
Fuel up: You’re within steps of TAG Raw Bar, one of our 2012 Best Restaurants, but it’s closed Sundays. Fortunately, its sister restaurant, TAG (No. 18 on the 2012 list), is open for dinner, as is ChoLon Modern Asian Bistro, No. 3 in 2012 and just a couple blocks away.
—Image courtesy of Shutterstock
Follow senior editor Kasey Cordell on Twitter @KaseyCordell.
