They also said they would consider a change in the dates for the Games amid concerns that athletes would not be able to stand the fierce mid-summer heat which hit the city last week.

Hein Verbruggen, the IOC member who is heading a 23-member co-ordination team for the three-day working visit, said he was stunned by the development of urban facilities, including work on the environment, transportation and construction.

"That must be one of the greatest challenges in city plans that someone can have,'' said Verbruggen, knowing that city planning has to be revised almost every three months.

He said the impressive preparatory efforts from Beijing could erase any doubt.

"I know it is more interesting to talk about the possible concerns, but it's difficult for me to find any,'' he said after three-day "productive'' talks with Beijing Olympic planners. "Challenges, yes -- but major concerns, no.''

He said he was amazed after learning that 250,000 new cars will be added to the roads every year in the fast-developing city, a fact that will bring huge challenges to traffic by the time of the Olympics.

"The IOC and Beijing organizing committee will have to make plans to take into account that incredible increase,'' he said. "But we are very confident that this will be addressed in a very good way.''

He further noticed that what Beijing has done for the Games will leave an enormous legacy for the country and the people.

Beijing is launching a multi-billion-dollar programme to build 16 new stadiums and gymnasiums for Olympic competitors, add 500 kilometres to the city's expressways and 41 kilometres to the existing 54 kilometres subway line.

"All of us have been impressed by the speed with which Beijing has scaled up,'' said IOC Vice-President Kevan Gosper.

The commission did not hesitate to give lavish praise for Beijing's "impressive and advanced'' work being that it has been just over a year since Beijing was awarded the Games.

"It is well in line with the understanding of what is needed to host a successful Games,'' he added.

The commission also gave high marks to Sasaki Associates of US/Tianjin Huahui Architect and Design Company, the top winner of just-concluded design competition for conceptual plans for two Olympic venues.

"I think the choice is an excellent one,'' said IOC Sports Director Gilbert Felli of first-prize plan of the Olympic Green.

Concerning the debate over the dates of the Games, IOC members said that was the first time Games dates were fixed in bid contracts. Previously host cities were free to propose the time.

But they hinted a possible change could come.

"Everyone would agree it's extremely important that we look for the best competition environment for the athletes,'' Felli said.

Verbruggen agreed.

"If there is a worry, we believe we should listen,'' Verbruggen said.

( China Daily August 10, 2002)