http://www.lbnelert.com/wp-content/themes/default/images/lbnelert/080806_CPS.NEY18.060808124457.photo00.quicklook.default-245x170.jpgMASKED US CYCLISTS APOLOGIZE TO OLYMPIC ORGANIZERS: Four US cyclists who wore masks over their noses and mouths due to pollution fears when arriving in Beijing apologized Wednesday to Olympic organizers, according to US Olympic Committee chief executive Jim Scherr. "It probably wasn't the most opportune time for these athletes to wear these masks," Scherr said. "They were overly cautious." The four were among about 200 athletes from an American delegation of 596 who were issued masks by their US sport governing body to combat pollution in Beijing. US officials said they would not ban US athletes from using the masks, whether in sports events or not, if they felt it was needed because of air quality conditions. USOC chairman Peter Ueberroth said the cyclists apologized without prompting from US Olympic officials. "We're not chastising anybody. They came forward of their own volition."