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U.S. athletes wear face masks

As athletes from all over the world arrive in Beijing ahead of the start of the Olympics some members of the U.S. cycling team arrive wearing anti-pollution masks.A U.S. team official said members of the cycling squad were wearing the respiratory masks but declined further comment.One man wore a mask that covered the nose and mouth while also wearing a white T-shirt with 'BEIJING' in black letters across the chest.Beijing's pollution problem has been a major cause for concern for athletes who fear it may impact their health and sporting performance.A cycling official later tried to play down the incident. "I don't believe there was any statement trying to be made", said Andrea Smith, spokeswoman for USA cycling.