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500 days to start of 2008 Olympics

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BEIJING, China -- Monday marked 500 days to go in the countdown to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing Games and IOC president Jacques Rogge wants games organizers to put a greater focus on upcoming test events in the 26 sports.

"I have learnt through my Olympic experience that test events are the key to the success of the Games," said the Belgian.

"Great progress in venue construction should not mean that the organizers lose focus on other areas of Games preparations. Because it is these moments when you lose your concentration that mistakes can creep in."

Test events are due to start on August 8, the next major milestone to signal a year to the start of the Summer Olympics.

To mark 500 days, Rogge gave written replies to a series of questions ranging from venue construction, to test events and air quality.

Construction on roads, stadiums and other venues is far ahead of schedule, and Rogge said the building of 31 Beijing-based venues "was progressing at a tremendous pace."

Rogge will be in Beijing in late April for IOC executive board meetings, following a visit last October.

"When walking through the streets of Beijing, the pride and enthusiasm of its people is palpable," Rogge said.

Dirty air and chaotic traffic have been a major concern of Games organizers. Rogge said both issues would top the agenda when the IOC's coordination commission meets with local organizers in Beijing in mid-April.

"Should issues arise, it is important to have the systems in place to identify and assess those issues," Rogge said.

"It is important, however, that these (test) events are not treated on their own but as part of an integrated preparation for the Games," he added.

Copyright 2007 CNN. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press contributed to this report.

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