London 2012: Past Olympians Jonathan Edwards, James Cracknell And Matthew Pinsent Recreate The Italian Job (PICTURES)

GALLERY: Olympians' Italian Job

Gold medal-winning Olympians have recreated The Italian Job's much-loved Mini chase, transporting the action from Turin to London.

Some of the team behind TV's Top Gear helped to create the short film ahead of London 2012, starring triple jumper turned broadcaster Jonathan Edwards and rowers James Cracknell and Matthew Pinsent.

The film, The Britalian Job, was shot around numerous landmarks, including the Olympic Stadium.

The original 1969 movie - starring Sir Michael Caine - is considered a British classic, not least for its chase sequence, shot largely around Turin.

The new version again features Minis - albeit the more modern versions - and celebrates the car firm's partnership with Team GB and ParalympicsGB.

Red, white and blue London 2012 special edition Minis are seen in locations such as Knightsbridge and with a backdrop of the Houses of Parliament, trying to track down a mysterious motorcyclist, played by Jodie Kidd.

The cars are even seen emerging from the same Park Lane basement used in the original film, and hurtling through Leadenhall Market.

Gold-winning decathlete Daley Thompson and javelin silver medallist Steve Backley are also among the familiar sporting faces who appear in the film, which climaxes with a close-formation 10-metre (33ft) jump in front of the stadium.

Cracknell said: "It was great fun making this film and London makes such a brilliant setting for an action sequence like this. Seeing London begin its transformation for the summer Games and feeling the excitement building is tremendous."

Mini's owner, BMW, is a London 2012 sponsor.

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