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21st September 2007

International mountainbike competition in Beijing 1 reply

The International Mountain Bike Invitational will be held this week at the newly opened Laoshan Velodrome. The women’s event will be held in the morning, followed by the mens in the afternoon. Shuttle buses will be running to the velodrome from Yuquan Lu subway station.

See the International Mountain Bike Invitational website for further details.

China Visa

All foreigners visiting China for the Olympics or otherwise is required to obtain a visa prior to entry. Single and multiple visas are available for up to 30 days. Extensions can be granted when in the country. Check also that your passport is valid for more than six months at the time you start traveling. Many countries will not grant you a visa if your passport expires in six months time.

For visits to Hong Kong no visa is required for most western countries. However, if you exit China to go to the Hong Kong and do not have a multiple entry visa, you will need to get a new visa to enter China again.

Visas are issued through Chinese embassies and consulates around the world. Some travel agencies can also organize your visa on your behalf, usually for an additional fee. It takes at least four working days for the visa to be issued, although it can be done quicker if you pay additional fees. Get your application in early to save money and hassle, especially with the expected rush leading up to the Olympic Games.

For US citizens the visa is $100 and $80 for people on group tours.

Here is a link to Chinese embassies around the world.

Khalmizam qualifies for Olympics

WAN Mohd Khalmizam Wan Abd Aziz qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics at the Asian Olympic qualifying tournament in Xian, China.

Three Malaysian archers have now qualified for the Olympic games. They can also now enter the team event. The other archers are Cheng Chu Sian and Muhd Marbawi.

India’s Mangal Singh Champia finished with a bronze which qualified him for the games.

Read the full story here

20th September 2007

Stadium models go on sale

Models of the newly built National Stadium, otherwise known as the “bird’s nest”, just went on sale at a store in Wangfujing Street. The models all sold out within one hour, with some customers queuing up overnight.

“I am glad now that I have managed to lay hold of the first ‘Bird’ Nest’ model. This model is very beautiful and of very high value for collectors,” said a customer at the store, who admits he’s not a professional.

Read more: Beijing Olympic “Bird’s Nest” model on sale

Everest challenge for torch relay

One of the most challenging routes for the torch relay is taking it up Mount Everest, although some people might say the Taiwan leg is currently being more of a challenge.

Wang Yongfeng is heading the team to take the torch up the mountain. The torch had to be designed to withstand the extreme temperatures and altitude of taking it up Mount Everest.

Read more: China plots Olympic torch’s final assault on Mount Everest

19th September 2007

The big stars of tennis come out for the Beijing Olympics

The big stars of tennis are taking the Olympic Games more seriously with some players giving the games priority over the money making Grand Slam events.

Elena Dementieva from Russia is currently playing in the China Open and sees it as a good chance to learn more about Beijing.

“I think the Olympic Games is more important. To represent my own country is an honor to me. I hope I can represent Russia again next year to participate in the Beijing Olympic Games,” said Dementieva.

Swiss tennis champion, Martina Hingis is also relishing playing in the Olympic Games. “Things have been going on in the last few years and I’m looking forward to next year’s Olympic Games. That’s why I decided to come here and have a look at the city,” said the Swiss.

“Also I will visit three places in Beijing: the Great Wall, the Summer Palace and the Forbidden City.”

Read more: Big names look to play Olympics in Beijing next year

Read more

Only three spots left in men’s basketball

Nine out of twelve spots have been filled in the men’s basketball for the Beijing Olympics, following Eurobasket 2007. Russia won gold , following Spain and Lithuania winning the bronze.

China qualified automatically for hosting the games. Other teams include: Angola (Africa), United States of America and Argentina (Americas), Islamic Republic of Iran (Asia), Russian Federation and Lithuania (Europe) and Australia (Oceania).

The final three berths will be decided in another qualifying tournament to be held in mid-July 2008. The participating teams include: Africa (Cameroon and Cape Verde), three from the Americas (Puerto Rico, Brazil and Canada), two from Asia (Lebanon and Republic of Korea), four from Europe (Greece, Germany, Croatia and Slovenia) and one from Oceania (New Zealand).

The final of the men’s basketball will be held on the last day of the Olympic Games - 24 August 2008.

Weymouth sailors heading to the Olympics

Athens gold medalist Sarah Ayton, was selected along with teammates Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson for the Yngling - women’s keelboat class event.

“We’ve had a fantastic year and haven’t been off the podium all year. We’re ranked number one in the world, we won the Worlds and the Test Event in China.

“Now we’ve got to make sure we get this final stage in the lead up to the Games right and make sure we get on that podium next year,” said Sarah Ayton.

Paul Goodison, Stevie Morrison and Ben Rhodes have been chosen for the 49er skiff event.

Further reading: We’re off to the Olympics

Olympic mobile phone released

Cect Mobile has rebranded a Nokia Series 40 phone creating a Beijing Olympics mobile phone. The phone features the head of the Olympic mascot Fuwa Huanhuan.

It is currently only available in China.

Source

18th September 2007

Cyclist Azizul now aiming for the Olympics

Malaysian cyclist Azizul Hasni Awang, has boosted his confidence after winning a gold medal at the Asian championship. He is now focusing his efforts on securing a spot in the Beijing Olympics. He has a chance to secure a spot at the World Championships in Manchester, next March.

“Like all other athletes, my ultimate dream is to represent the country in the Olympics.

“I hope to make it via the World Cup events and the World Championships.

“It will be great if Josiah (Ng) and I can qualify for the Beijing Olympics,” said Azizul.

Read more: Cycling: Azizul now aims for Olympics


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