By David Gold in London

Rio_2016_general_sceneJune 30 - The author of a report released today for UK Trade & Industry on the 2016 Olympic and Paralympics claimed that Rio de Janeiro's current preparedness for the event was behind where London was at a similar stage in preparations five years out from hosting the Games.


Joao de Campos Cruz, a senior transportation planner at Buro Happold, also added that Brazil needed to speed up their preparations for the event, but that he was confident they would be ready.

"If London is anything to compare with then they are a bit behind," Cruz told insidethegames.

"I do not think it will be like in London where everything is ready a year before.

"I'm sure it will be ready for the event itself, but there might need to be some additional investment.

"I do think they need to hurry but once they move forward they will do so quickly."

The report praises the development of Rio and Brazil, but it also points out that the country is being pushed to its limits as the construction industry could not keep pace with the scale of change taking place.

Also detailed are the planned works in the years ahead, with major construction work required for the venues for equestrian, shooting, acquatics, cycling, athletics , water polo, diving and archery.

The 2007 Pan American Games, which took place in Rio, have left a legacy of a number of venues which require no additional work to be ready on time for 2016.

Maracana_undergoing_work_May_2011
One slight concern is the readiness of the Maracanã (pictured), the stadium set to host the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and which is also scheduled to be the venue for the 2014 World Cup final.

Delays on the construction of the venue's roof have raised doubts over whether it will be finished in time for the 2013 Confederations Cup, but as yet there are no serious concerns over its ability to host the 2014 showpiece or 2016 Olympics.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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