Spanish PM insists Madrid ready to host Olympic 2020

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has told IOC inspectors that much of the infrastructure needed for Madrid's bid to host the 2020 Olympics is already built and the city has an excellent transport system.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has told International Olympic Committee (IOC) inspectors that much of the infrastructure needed for Madrid's bid to host the 2020 Olympics is already built and the city has an excellent transport system.

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The IOC's evaluation commission began a four-day inspection of Madrid's bid on Monday. Madrid is competing against Tokyo and Istanbul.

Rajoy says "80% of the sports facilities needed to hold an Olympic games are already built."

He says the city is accustomed to hosting major events and Spain welcomes 58 million tourists each year.

The capital's transport system is expected to suffer partial strikes on Tuesday and Wednesday. Three demonstrations are also planned to coincide with the IOC visit.

The panel has already visited Tokyo and will travel to Istanbul next week. The IOC will select the host city on September 7.