Following LOCOG’s* announcement that the men’s and women’s Olympic cycle road races for the 2012 Games will take place in Surrey, County Council Leader Andrew Povey said:

“Nine laps of Surrey’s Box Hill are sure to sort out the Chris Hoys from the Boris Johnsons. Watching the world's elite cyclists going for gold on our doorsteps is a thrilling prospect. I’m certain we will give the athletes and spectators a welcome they will never forget.”

Denise Saliagopoulos, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Community Services, Tourism and the 2012 Games, said: “The county council has been working closely with London 2012 organisers to bring the road races to Surrey for many months. The events will provide a huge boost to the economy and focus the eyes of the world on Surrey during the opening weekend of the Olympic Games.”

The route will start and finish in London and take in about 130 miles of Surrey roads, passing through or near towns including Walton, Weybridge, Byfleet, West Horsley, Gomshall, Dorking, Leatherhead, Oxshott, Esher, East and West Molesey, as well as lapping Box Hill a number of times.

One million spectators are expected to line the route which will provide a huge boost to Surrey’s economy. Kent’s staging of a leg of the Tour De France in 2007 generated an estimated £40 million.