The cyclists will train in the county this summer before taking part in the London - Surrey Cycle Classic, an elite test race, on August 14.

They will then return next summer and base themselves in Surrey to prepare for the Olympic Games.

Nick Green, Australia's Chef de Mission for London 2012, was delighted to have secured the deal. 

"It is vital that our athletes acclimatise in the lead up to the games and we appreciate the people of Surrey allowing our road cyclists to train there before the competition," he said.

"There is great rivalry between Team GB and Australia in cycling but we're sure the people of Surrey will support our cyclists as they prepare to go for gold at the Games."

The Olympic road race, which is due to start and finish outside Buckingham Palace, will travel 130 miles through Surrey, including Walton, Weybridge, Byfleet, West Horsley, Gomshall, Dorking, Leatherhead, Oxshott, Esher, East and West Molesey, as well as lapping Box Hill nine times.

The road time trials, meanwhile, will start and finish at Hampton Court, heading through areas in and around Molesey, Esher, Hersham and Cobham.

Denise Saliagopoulos, Surrey County Council's Cabinet member for Community Services and the 2012 Games, hailed the Australian decision to base themselves there.·

"We've been working hard behind the scenes to sell Surrey as the best place for Olympic teams to base themselves in the run up to and during the Games, so I'm delighted a team with as strong a sporting pedigree as Australia has decided to train their athletes here," she said.

"I'm sure Surrey will give them a welcome they will never forget and I hope their presence will encourage even more people to take up the sport."

Surrey have already signed deals with Nigeria and Singapore for teams to train there before London 2012. 

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