The men's individual road race at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, was held on September 27, 1988.

The event was won by Olaf Ludwig of East Germany, the first medal for the nation in the men's individual road race (and first victory for any German cyclist).

West Germany also earned its first medals in the event, with Bernd Gröne's silver and Christian Henn's bronze.

It replaced the individual time trial event that had been held from 1912 to 1932 (and which would be reintroduced alongside the road race in 1996).

Ludwig made two break attempts late, being caught by renowned sprinter Abdoujaparov and aborting the charge the first time.