Road cycling at the Los Angeles Olympics has two disciplines, the road race and the time trial.
The mass-start road race courses will begin at the Venice Beach Boardwalk and the individual time trial courses will kick off at the LA Zoo. Both the road race and time trial events will finish at the Griffith Observatory.
The road race will take athletes from the Pacific coastline into the hills of Los Angeles, mixing coastline, urban and hillside terrains.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Both men’s and women’s road race courses will start at the Venice Beach Boardwalk. It is a two-mile promenade stretching parallel to Venice Beach that includes street vendors, performers, restaurants and food venues. Venice Beach offers a fishing pier, iconic bike path, world-renowned skate plaza and art displays.
The Olympic and Paralympic marathon courses will also both start at the Venice Beach Boardwalk.
Los Angeles Zoo
Both men’s and women’s road cycling time trials will start at the Los Angeles Zoo. The LA Zoo is located in the heart of Griffith Park and is famous for its urban wilderness and scenic views. One of the city’s most popular destinations, the zoo features immersive exhibits, rare species and botanical gardens.
During the Paralympics, the LA Zoo will serve as the starting and finishing point for para road cycling events.
Griffith Observatory
One of Los Angeles’ most iconic cultural landmarks perched on Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, the Griffith Observatory will be the finishing point for both the road race events and time trial. Located in the center of metropolitan Los Angeles, the Griffith Observatory is a popular tourist attraction with views of Downtown LA, the Hollywood sign and the Pacific coastline.
The site is southern California’s gateway to the cosmos as visitors can look through telescopes, explore exhibits and enjoy live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium.
Carson Velodrome
Track cycling will take place at Carson Velodrome and feature a range of events, including the team sprint, keirin, omnium and Madison. The largest indoor velodrome in the United States, Carson Velodrome hosts training and international competitions for the world’s elite cyclists and is home to USA Cycling’s National Track Cycling program.
During the Paralympics, the site will also host para cycling track.
Industry Hills MTB Course
Mountain biking will take place at the Industry Hills MTB Course, which is built into a hilltop in the San Gabriel Valley. The twisting and turning cross-country course on rugged terrain features sections of drops and jumps, as well as viewing areas for fans.
Valley Complex
BMX is returning back to its LA roots — the first organized BMX race took place at Palms Park in West Los Angeles in 1969. The Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area, Los Angeles’ second largest urban park full of indoor and outdoor sports facilities, will transform into a sports park featuring four complexes. Valley Complex 4 is built into the natural terrain of the area and is set to host BMX racing. Meanwhile, Valley Complex 1 will feature BMX freestyle and skateboarding.