Banstead will help host one of the world’s greatest cycle road races, according to Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

The town features on the route for the London 2012 Olympic Road Cycling Race.

The 250km men's race and 140kn women's race is around a course that passes through six London Boroughs - Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, Wandsworth, Richmond and Kingston before heading into Surrey.

It will travel through Elmbridge, Woking, Guildford, Reigate and Banstead and Mole Valley where it will return to central London for the finish.

Mr Johnson said: "The Olympic road race is going to be one of the ‘great’ cycling road races …and as many people in Surrey as possible should come out and watch it."

Denise Saliagopoulos, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for community services and the 2012 Games, said: "We are working closely with our London neighbours on what will be one of the most exciting Olympic events.

"Surrey has front row seats and I’m sure as many people as possible will make sure they catch a glimpse of the race."