Millions of TV viewers across the globe will be treated to a fast, two-wheeled tour of Athens in 2004 as the Games kicks off with a scenic cycling road race rather than the more traditional archery competition

Athens Olympics will be led out by four hour showcase for cycling

A cycling race will better show off the Greek capital’s charms to television viewers, games officials said yesterday.

Organisers ATHOC said they had dropped archery in favour of the round-Athens road race so that millions of viewers would get a feel of the city hosting the Games.

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