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When do the Olympics start? Everything you need to know about Rio 2016

Rio 2016

THE Olympic Games are just around the corner… so here’s the low down on everything you need to know about Rio 2016.

From the date of the opening ceremony, to the athletes set to represent Team GB, here’s everything you need to know about this year’s competition...

When does it start?

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There is a four hour time difference between The UK and Rio de JaneiroCredit: Getty Images

As The UK is four hours ahead of Rio de Janeiro, hardcore sports fans will have to watch the games through the night.

British viewers can tune in to BBC One to watch the Opening Ceremony, which takes place in the Maracana Stadium, on Friday 5th August at around 11:30pm.

While events such as swimming and cycling will kick off over the weekend, athletics events begin on Friday 12th August.

Where can I watch it?

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The BBC will provide a number of different ways to watch the gamesCredit: Getty Images

Sports fans who want to watch live broadcasts from the Olympics Games can turn over to BBC One and BBC Four every day from 1pm to around 3am in the morning.

If you’re in need of a kip, you don’t need to stay up late to get a slice of the action.

BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport are offering up an Olympic Playlist, which will holds short clips and best highlights from the evening before.

Who is in Team GB?

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Jessica Ennis-Hill is one of the 246 athletes that make up Team GBCredit: PA:Press Association

In hope of scooping victory in Rio, The UK is currently taking 246 athletes from 20 different disciplines to represent Britain.

Experienced sports personalities, including Mo Farah, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Andy Murray, Chris Froome and Bradley Wiggins, are among the athletes competing in the tournament.

To take a peek at Team GB in full, click .

What’s new about this year?

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Two new sports have been added to this year's eventCredit: Getty Images

In August, the Olympics board agreed to bring a couple of new sports into the mix for Rio 2016.

This year, rugby sevens and golf are two new disciplines that are set to feature in this year’s competition.


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