[Cyclefrance]

Seems my observations a couple of months ago about air quality in Beijing are now being echoed by the Olympic committee. Statements were made today that endurance events may need to be delayed because of the excessive air pollution (report set against a background of a barely visible, smog-screened Beijing 'bird's-nest' olympic stadium). Marathon and triathlon at least are likely to be affected. Plus the Aussie team is already talking about delaying it's arrival because of the health risk the ever-present and increasing smog creates. The news item ended with scenes of Beijing celebrations as the lead-up to the start of the olympics entered it's final year - the sky being filled with smoke from a thousand fireworks. Looks like they've got it under control, then....