TAIPEI - The first group of the 101-member Chinese Taipei Olympic delegation, including archery, sailing, shooting and weightlifting athletes, left here for London on Wednesday.

Lin Yi-chun, a shooting player, said before the departure that their first challenge will be getting accustomed to Britain's weather.

A larger group of the delegaion will leave for London on July 22, and the taekwondo players will set off early next month.

A total of 44 Chinese Taipei athletes will compete in 14 events, including badminton, cycling, fencing, judo, rowing, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, and track and field, in the London Olympics that will run from July 27 to Aug 12.