The Rio de Janeiro mayor, Eduardo Paes, launches a feisty defence of Olympic preparations after criticisms of water quality as the host city marks the one-year countdown to the 2016 Games with a presidential gala and a test rowing event.

SOUNDBITE (English) Eduardo Paes, Rio de Janeiro mayor

Question: 'The IOC (International Olympic Committee) didn't tell you to test the waters?'

"At least not to the city. If they say something it would be to Rio State… Actually it would be to the (Local) Organising Committee, and then you got to ask to the Committee. I saw that question, I heard that question to (Rio 2016 LOC Chairman, Carlos Arthur) Nuzman two, three days ago. And what Nuzman said was that there was not any request. But if there was a request, he would do it. I mean, this is our virus water. Enjoy it!"