Unlike most cities preparing to host the Games, the IOC has so far not had to warn Beijing over the speed of its preparations, with the Chinese authorities clearly planning to use the event to showcase their efficiency at staging major events on a global scale – and, crucially, on time.
Said Julio Cesar of the IOC’s inspection team: “The people in Beijing are working very hard and there is a very good relation between the IOC commission, the organising committee and the government.
"All the stadiums will be ready two years before the Games.”
Beijing is on course for the 2008 Olympic Games – and assured IOC chiefs all venues will be ready two years before the opening ceremony.
