Santa Monica Braces for Potential Olympic Cycling Route

Leaked course map suggests men's and women's road races could pass through the city en route to Hollywood finish line.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A leaked course map suggests the 2028 Olympic men's and women's road cycling races could pass through Santa Monica, with the peloton zipping along Main Street before heading north on Pacific Coast Highway. While the full routes would be grueling, Santa Monica's stretch promises to be a quick, scenic cameo. Local excitement is building among cycling fans and tourism boosters, but some residents are already voicing concerns about potential traffic disruptions and road closures.

Why it matters

Santa Monica's potential inclusion in the Olympic cycling route has divided the community. Proponents see it as an opportunity to showcase the city's bike-friendly vibe and draw global attention, while critics worry about the logistical headaches of Olympic-scale crowds and road closures in a city known for its laid-back lifestyle.

The details

The leaked course map, unveiled by former pro cyclist Phil Gaimon, shows the road races starting at the Venice Beach Boardwalk, with riders then pedaling through Santa Monica along Main Street before heading north on Pacific Coast Highway. While the full men's route is a grueling 156 miles with over 16,000 feet of climbing, Santa Monica's stretch would be a relatively quick, scenic segment.

  • The 2028 Olympic Games are scheduled to take place in Los Angeles.
  • The leaked course map was recently unveiled in a video blog by former pro cyclist Phil Gaimon.

The players

Phil Gaimon

A former professional cyclist who recently unveiled the leaked course map in a video blog.

Santa Monica Residents

The local community is divided, with some excited about the potential Olympic exposure and others concerned about the logistical disruptions.

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What they’re saying

“We said no to volleyball for a reason. Now we're getting the peloton anyway? Great, just what we need-spandex-clad speed demons turning Main Street into a crit course while we're stuck in gridlock.”

— Anonymous Neighbor

What’s next

City officials have yet to confirm the details or weigh in on the potential impacts of the Olympic cycling route passing through Santa Monica. With the Games just over two years away, preparations and debates are expected to continue picking up speed.

The takeaway

Santa Monica's potential inclusion in the 2028 Olympic cycling route has sparked a community debate between those excited about the global exposure and those concerned about the logistical challenges. As the city navigates this potential opportunity, it will need to balance the benefits of showcasing its bike-friendly vibe with the realities of managing Olympic-scale crowds and disruptions to the local way of life.