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Tales from the peloton, August 8, 2008

Roadies count down as trackies arrive

By Greg Johnson

The wait is nearly over, with less than 10 hours remaining before Beijing, China throws open its doors to the hundreds of millions expected to watch this evening's opening ceremony. While many will be preparing for a big celebration this evening, one bunch of athletes - the men's Olympic road race competitors - will be having an early night.

Athletes have spent the final day before tonight's celebrations getting into the training rhythm after touching down in China this week. An increased group of riders have been scoping the men's road race course, with the medals to be decided in just over 24 hours time. The women's road racers have an extra day up their sleeves before the race on Sunday, while the time trialists have until mid-next week to finish their preparations.

One day after making a controversial arrival wearing breathing masks, the United States of America track team put the media attention behind it and hit the Laoshan Velodrome. Joined by Great Britain, France, Ukraine, Netherlands and China, it was one of the first major training sessions held at the velodrome, with the track events not starting until next weekend.

The countdown to 8/8/2008 has been anything but squeaky clean. Protesters have already taken into custody, while cameramen have been focused on the sky above looking for the slightest improvement, or deterioration, in the smog situation. While a typhoon has been dampening spirits at Olympic venues in Hong Kong, Beijing has been given the World Health Organisation's air quality thumbs up.

So, let the Games begin.

Roadies count down as trackies arrive, August 8, 2008

United States of America riders train alongside
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Riders from various teams tackle the climb near China's Great Wall
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Norwegian national team riders fly by a Chinese temple
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The Belgian national team has some fun while training for tomorrow's race.
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New Zealand's Timothy Gudsell has some fun
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The women have an extra day before their race,
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Stuart O'Grady leads the Australian national squad
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France's Cyril Dessel goes it alone on the climb
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Defending Olympic Champion Paolo Bettini readies for a
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Brothers in arms: Team CSC team-mates Frank and Andy Schleck
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Security is tight everywhere in Chine, including at the Laoshan Velodrome.
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An American track rider circles around the boards
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The United States of America track riders put the previous day's controversy behind them,
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The Netherlands squad makes its way around China's
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France's track squad will be one of the strongest at this year's Olympic Games.
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British track cyclist Chris Hoy prepares for a warm-up session.
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Track cyclist Victoria Pendleton is another of Great Britain's
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Bradley Wiggins listens to some beats while warming up
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All warmed up: Great Britain's track team hits the Laoshan Velodrome.
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The British and Chinese squads were out training ahead of this evening's opening ceremony.
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The Australian team tests the climb.
Photo ©: Casey Gibson
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Some of the Belgian road team
Photo ©: Casey Gibson
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Paolo Bettini leads the Italians
Photo ©: Casey Gibson
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Cadel Evans heads out for the ride.
Photo ©: Casey Gibson
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Evans heads up the climb.
Photo ©: Casey Gibson
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The French team rides past a shrine
Photo ©: Casey Gibson
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England's Roger Hammond and Stephen Cummings warming up.
Photo ©: Casey Gibson
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The Italian women take in the sites.
Photo ©: Casey Gibson
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Jeannie Longo and her husband
Photo ©: Casey Gibson
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Serbia's Ivan Stevic tests the course.
Photo ©: Casey Gibson
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A Temple and the Great Wall
Photo ©: Casey Gibson
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A mixed squad of Americans and Canadians
Photo ©: Casey Gibson
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Fabian Wegmann (Germany)
Photo ©: Roberto Bettini
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Stefan Schumacher (Germany) kits up
Photo ©: Roberto Bettini
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Security is in evidence
Photo ©: Roberto Bettini
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Gerald Ciolek (Germany)
Photo ©: Roberto Bettini
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Levi Leipheimer (USA)
Photo ©: Roberto Bettini
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The Belgian team poses
Photo ©: Roberto Bettini
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The Belgian and Dutch teams
Photo ©: Roberto Bettini
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Dutch riders take in the views
Photo ©: Roberto Bettini
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Swiss and Dutch riders
Photo ©: Roberto Bettini
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The Belgian squad on the climb
Photo ©: Roberto Bettini
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Stefan Schumacher (Germany) is taking the pressure well.
Photo ©: Roberto Bettini
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