Uphill finishes revealed for 2028 LA Olympics road races and time trials

The road races and time trials for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will feature challenging uphill finishes, with both events concluding near the Griffith Observatory. This iconic landmark, perched at 346 metres on the south side of Mount Hollywood, offers a distinctive and demanding finale for cyclists. Although the precise routes have yet to be disclosed, organisers have indicated that the final climb will involve an incline of approximately 7% over a distance of around two kilometres, promising a dramatic end to the competitions. The men’s and women’s road races, scheduled for 22 and 23 July respectively, will commence at Venice Beach Boardwalk before traversing the Santa Monica Mountains and culminating in Griffith Park. Meanwhile, the time trials on 19 July will start at the LA Zoo and finish at the Griffith Observatory, both situated within the Griffith Park Zone. Paralympic cycling events, including road races, time trials, and the mixed team relay, will also take place in this area, with all starting and finishing at the LA Zoo, highlighting the park’s central role in the cycling programme. LA28 organisers emphasised the significance of the venue, noting that athletes will cross finish lines set against some of Los Angeles’s most recognisable landmarks and panoramic views. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) confirmed that the elevated finish at Griffith Observatory will add an extra layer of difficulty, ensuring that the final moments of the races will test the riders’ climbing abilities as they vie for Olympic titles. Full course details are expected to be released later this year, building anticipation for the event’s unique challenges. The uphill finishes mark a departure from the 2024 Paris Olympics, where road races ended on flat terrain near the Eiffel Tower after hilly circuits, and time trials were held on flat courses in the city centre. The LA28 cycling programme will also include track events at the Carson Velodrome, BMX racing and freestyle at Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area, and mountain biking in the City of Industry, reflecting a diverse and geographically spread set of venues. These developments underscore the organisers’ commitment to showcasing Los Angeles’s varied landscapes while providing a demanding and memorable competition for athletes and spectators alike.