Below are extracts from their influential report on what the inspectors thought about the environmental and transportation plans of the hopeful cities' bids.

Transport: "Provided [the] proposed programme of public transport improvements is fully delivered on schedule before 2012 and the extensive Olympic Route Network is implemented, the Commission believes that London would be capable of coping with Games-time traffic."

Environment: "There is a strong emphasis on the integration of environmental considerations across all aspects of planning and operations, ensuring minimum impact and maximum sustainability and the integration of those plans and actions into wider regeneration and environmental strategies for London."

Transport: "With further planned development in the lead-up to 2012, Paris metropolitan road and rail transport systems would comfortably cope with Games-time traffic."

Environment: "Overall, the environmental actions are comprehensive, innovative and integrated throughout planning and operations, and would result in significant gains and legacies from the Games."

Transport: "The Commission believes New York would meet Olympic and Paralympic Games transport requirements in 2012 with the implementation of the extensive system of Olympic lanes for the Games."

Environment: "New York's urban renewal programme and park development plans are significant and encompass several proposed Olympic venues.

"Although these are not all Games-dependent, Olympic Games in New York would accelerate many actions and leave additional positive environmental and sustainable development legacies for the city."

Transport: "Moscow road and rail transport systems would cope with the considerable Games-time traffic pressures if the ambitious road and rail transport infrastructure developments are carried out as planned."

Environment: "The amount of land to be rehabilitated as a direct result of a Moscow Olympic Games was difficult to determine, as were the specific improvements in standards and technology."

Transport: "Madrid's high capacity and quality metropolitan road and rail transport systems and its continuing development would comfortably cope with considerable Games-time traffic."

Environment: "Venues have strong environmental features. There would be a multi-faceted legacy from a Madrid Games including new green zones, sustainable building systems, a new set of environmental indicators, rehabilitation of former industrial sites."