Pedal Power or Traffic Nightmare? Olympic Cyclists May Zoom Through Santa Monica en Route to Hollywood Glory

In a plot twist worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster, Santa Monica might still get its moment in the 2028 Olympic spotlight-despite politely declining to host beach volleyball earlier. A leaked course map, dramatically unveiled by former pro cyclist Phil Gaimon in a recent video blog, suggests the men's and women's road races could pedal right through the heart of the city.

Starting at the photogenic Venice Beach Boardwalk, the peloton would zip along Main Street in Santa Monica before heading north on Pacific Coast Highway toward Malibu's hilly challenges, eventually culminating in a dramatic finish at the Griffith Observatory. While the full men's route clocks in at a grueling 156 miles with over 16,000 feet of climbing (making it potentially one of the toughest Olympic road races ever), Santa Monica's stretch promises to be a quick, scenic cameo rather than a full-stage production.

Local excitement is already building among cycling enthusiasts and tourism boosters. Imagine the world's best riders streaming past Third Street Promenade shops, dodging (or perhaps charming) weekend brunch crowds, with helicopters buzzing overhead for that perfect TV shot. Proponents argue the brief passage could spotlight Santa Monica's bike-friendly vibe, draw global eyes to our beaches and boulevards, and even give a short-term economic jolt from spectators and media. After all, who wouldn't want to say their favorite barista served coffee to future gold medalists?

But not everyone's ready to cheer from the sidelines. Some residents are already grumbling about the inevitable disruptions: road closures that could snarl traffic for hours, detours turning routine commutes into odysseys, and the general chaos of Olympic-scale security and crowds in a city that prides itself on laid-back living.

REBECCA THE FOLLOWING IS OPTIONAL

"We said no to volleyball for a reason," one anonymous neighbor reportedly quipped. "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." City officials have yet to confirm details or weigh in on potential impacts, but with the Games just over two years away, preparations-and debates-are picking up speed.

For now, the route remains unofficial, a tantalizing leak rather than a locked-in plan. Still, the prospect has Santa Monicans divided between those dreaming of Olympic glamour rolling through town and those bracing for the logistical headache. One thing's certain: whether the racers fly by in a blur or get bogged down in local traffic complaints, 2028 could leave tire tracks on the city's collective memory. Stay tuned-because in Santa Monica, even a pass-through can spark a full-speed controversy.