Rio 2016: Five to watch on day 1 — UAE’s Yousif Mirza in cycling’s road race

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With the football underway and the Opening Ceremony set to officially mark the start of the Rio Olympic Games on Friday night, Matt Smith picks five must-see events taking place on Saturday. All event times UAE.

• Rio 2016 TV: How to watch the Olympics in the UAE + schedules

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CYCLING: ROAD RACE (4.30pm)

Yousif Mirza will be flying the flag for the UAE as the cyclists get underway at Fort Copacobana. Alexander Vinokourov is the defending champion but there is a high-quality field including Tour de France champion Chris Froome. Also keep an eye on Fabian Cancellara, Nairo Quintana and Alejandro Valverde.

ARCHERY (4pm)

One of the first gold medals will be claimed by the wannabe Robin Hoods as the men’s archery teams do battle at the Sambodromo. Italy will be out to defend their title, but the United States and South Korea will also be optimistic.

BASKETBALL (7pm and midnight)

Who can stop the United States from claiming a double gold on the basketball court? They eased to both men’s and women’s titles at London 2012, but France and China will be out to make a statement as they take on Turkey and Canada respectively in the women’s event before Australia face France in the men’s event.

FOOTBALL (10pm)

The women’s tournament is already under way and Saturday sees Canada take on Zimbabwe, United States face France, Germany tackle Australia and South Africa play China.

RUGBY SEVENS (6pm)

Hold on to your hats as the sevens makes its bow on the Olympic stage. The group stages of the women’s event begin with France taking on Spain, before New Zealand play Kenya and Great Britain play hosts Brazil.