A survey undertaken by the council showed that local people would welcome this type of exciting annual event.

The council's survey was launched a few days before London Mayor Boris Johnson's announcement on Friday that he wanted to stage a similar event from next year onwards.

Council leader Ravi Govindia said the event could deliver another lasting legacy from the 2012 Games.

He said: "The men's and women's road race was one of many highlights of the Games. The route covered some of the capital's great landmarks and brought a wave of excitement to Putney.

"It would be wonderful if we could harness that excitement and enthusiasm to stage an annual event along the same route and attract some of the world's best cyclists.

"It could be a special London and Surrey Challenge, or part of the Tour of Britain bike race or perhaps even a stage of the Tour de France, which has previously brought its riders to the UK.

"What is abundantly clear from the positive responses we've received is that local people really want to build on the great achievements of London 2012 and an annual bike race is just one way of doing that."

August 16, 2012