Olympic warm up in Walton on Thames in August

Walton on Thames is gearing up to be part of an Olympic warm up event next month.

An elite race call the London-Surrey Cycle Classic will take place on Sunday August 14 and will act as a dress rehearsal for the men's and women's Olympic road cycle races next year, which will take place in Surrey. All the events will head through the town via Terrace Road.

Denise Saliagopoulos, Surrey County Council's Cabinet Member for Community Services and the 2012 Games, said: "Our aim is to ensure residents and businesses have all the information they need in plenty of time to prepare for the London-Surrey Cycle Classic.

"The test race is key to the preparations for the London 2012 Games and we have been working hard with all the organisations involved to ensure its success while keeping disruption to a minimum.

"The cycle race is a once in a generation opportunity that will bring huge benefits to Surrey and with a little preparation we can all make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible."

The London-Surrey Cycle Classic will start at the Mall in London. Cyclists will race through the capital before crossing over Hampton Court Bridge into Surrey at 9.30am with Walton on Thames one of the first towns reached. The racers will then pedal their way through towns including Byfleet and Dorking before reaching Box Hill at 10.40am. Spectators are welcomed along the route.

Two laps of the beauty spot later, the cyclists will then pass through Leatherhead and Esher before crossing back over Hampton Court Bridge at 11.50am and back to the finish line at the Mall.

The London 2012 Olympic men's and women's cycling road races will take place on Saturday 28 July and Sunday 29 July.