THE Commonweath Games cycling race in Rivington will have one of the world's best routes, it has been claimed.

Organisers of the Sydney Olympics have reportedly praised the venue, saying it looks better in sporting terms than the one used in the 2000 games.

Michael Palmer, director of venues for the Commonwealth Games said: "The organisers of the Sydney Olympics said they wished they had a route as good as Bolton's. It's first class.

"We had a challenge over meeting the broadcaster's requirements because the trees were causing difficulties.

"This has been resolved and it's set to be a stunning venue."

Rivington is one of 15 venues across Greater Manchester to be used in next years' Games, which run from July 25 to August 4.

Today we take a look at three of the others:

City of Manchester Stadium -- The 38,000 all-seater venue currently taking shape in East Manchester will form the centrepiece of Sportcity.

Costing £110 million, the structure will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games as well as athletics and rugby sevens.

The stadium will be handed over to Manchester City Football Club in time for the 2003/04 season.

Bolton Arena -- It will host the badminton tournament. Badminton international Chris Hunt, aged 32, said: "The Games are a great opportunity to profile the sport."

Mr Hunt, a household name in Asia where badminton is the national sport, suffered a shoulder injury in the 1998 Commonwealth Games.

He said: "I wouldn't miss the Commonwealth Games for the world."

National Cycling Centre -- The track has repeatedly seen cycling records made and broken.