2007 Beijing Test Event

The course is situated about a 60 minute drive from Beijing cental. In true Chinese fashion the course is complete with all the facilities superb. The course has a large arm up anddown area and a couple of side channels which will be used for training and coaching before the main course is ventured on by future up and coming athletes. The course in some ways has the Athens Olympic feel to it as it circles around. This view is from the finish bridge. It has been well designed for both competition, judging and training with excellent access to both sides of the course and viewing platforms. The system for moving the gates is more rfined and i will get a photo of it.In the distance you can see the spectator stands and flagpoles. The athletes accommodation is about a 10 minutes bus ride from the course. The athletes hotal didn't exist 18 months ago and the roads are all new with very little traffic on them. The course sems very rural as it is surrounded by orchards and dirt roads away fromt he main access areas. The temperatures are hot and humid about 30-37 degrees but no rain and the grass has been planted by hand blade by blade and each day there are people working by hand pulling weeds and checking the growth. the grass is cut by hand with scythes. There is high security and all everyone and their bags go through a scanner and xray just like airport security. Police are everywhere. The venue is qute spectacular.