Madrid's bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games received a thumbs-up from the IOC's evaluation commission.

the latter were "most impressed" by what they had seen in the Spanish capital this week.

The 13-strong International Olympic Committee delegation have been in Madrid since Monday to complete their inspection of the four cities hoping to host the Games in 2016, having already visited Rio de Janeiro, Chicago and Tokyo.

Madrid are back in the running having finished third in the race for the 2012 Olympics, which was won by London. The winning bid for 2016 will be decided in Copenhagen on October 2.

Nawal El Moutawakel, chair of the IOC evaluation commission, said today at the completion of their visit to Madrid: "We have carefully studied the bid documents and have visited the large number of excellent existing venues, as well as sights proposed for new venues.

"We have been most impressed to find what the city of Madrid could offer to the Olympic movement.

"We have witnessed during our visit that over 70% of the infrastructures are already built, and of course this is added value for the bid of Madrid 2016.

"We have seen magnificent venues that could provide good infrastructure for the 2016 Games.

"I think Madrid are ready to organise the Games, just like the other three cities. But the decision will be made in less than six months time and the (bid) team has to work very hard because this is not the finish line.

"They need to work and work and work until October 2, and now this is maybe the hardest and longest path.

"Any of the cities deserve it, because they are four very strong cities."

El Moutawakel was careful, though, not to give anything away about how Madrid's bid stands up against their three rivals - or how it fares in comparison to the city's previous unsuccessful attempt.

"We are not here to compare between cities, and this was my answer at every press conference," she said.

"The positive points in Madrid are numerous, but I cannot list them here. Unfortunately we cannot disclose all our positive points because our report still has to be made (by September 2).

"We decided not to compare between 2012 and 2016, we are here for the 2016 bid. But having 77% of the venues already ready is a good thing," added El Moutawakel, who said security among the four venues would be key to their decision on the eventual winner.

"Security is the top priority, not only for the bid city but also for the IOC," she said.

Madrid also received a boost with the confirmation their bid would not be affected by London hosting the 2012 Olympics.

It has been over half a century since the same continent held successive Olympics, but El Moutawakel confirmed that was not something the IOC was concerned about.

"This rotation system is not something that is discussed within the IOC at this moment. There is no rotation system, it's not like other internationals federations. So may the best (bid) win," she said.

That was welcomed by Alejandro Blanco, the president of Spain's Olympic Committee, who said: "The question on the continental rotation is the best news for us as it means the best city will be announced as winners."