The deadline for entries in the 2012 Olympics closes today, with a formidable list of cities set to compete against London.

The official London entry for the 2012 games has already been sent to the headquarters of the IOC in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Amongst the other cities confirmed are New York, Paris, Madrid, and Rio de Janeiro.

In what some commentators have described as an “overcrowded race”, Moscow, the German city of Leipzig, Havana, and Istanbul have also applied for the right to host the 2012 Games.

The London entry included letters from London Mayor Ken Livingstone, the British Olympic Committee, and Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The Government yesterday announced plans to build the Crossrail rail line across London, but it is not expected to be finished by 2012.

However, leaders of the London campaign to host the 2012 Olympics say the Crossrail is not vital for a successful bid.