Senior officials from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have cautioned Beijing's Olympic organizers about potential challenges arising over the next two years.

"Obviously with less than two years to go, this is the time when traditionally the challenges will mount," said Hein Verbruggen, chairman of the IOC Co-ordination Commission (COCOM) of the Beijing Games, while attending the opening ceremony of the three-day seventh COCOM plenary session.

Nesting ground: International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge visits the construction site of the National Stadium yesterday. The 91,000-seat stadium, known as the "Bird's Nest" for its giant lattice work structure of metal girders, will host the opening and closing ceremonies and athletics events during the 2008 Games. "It is, in my opinion, one of the icons in the world," Rogge told reporters. 

 
Based on experience from organizing previous Games, Verbruggen outlined some potential challenges for the Beijing Organizing Committee (BOCOG). They include the timely completion of all key buildings, the procurement of catering services, and the release of detailed venue designs.

"We have heard recently how the organizers of the Turin Games had difficulty integrating all the pieces together, and that probably will be something that will happen in all organizing cities," Verbruggen said. "So please ensure great effort and make this work. Have the processes and procedures in place to ensure a good relationship between all places."