BEFORE York staged the Tour de France, I wrote in this letters page asking for York to show the world its best.

I am so proud York did not disappoint. Whether it was the yellow bike displays, such as outside Poppleton Road School, the great Bishy Road carnival or the many families who lined the streets and the racecourse to see the riders, York was in its element.

York was presented with a replica of the Tour de France trophy and we are now looking to display this as a reminder of what has been achieved.

I would like to thank council staff who worked long hours and under sometimes difficult conditions to deliver a splendid Tour. These people have been the backbone of the Tour and are unsung heroes.

I want to thank the people of York for taking the Tour to heart and for putting up with any disruption. We have proven York can hold large, world-class events and I hope this will be the first of many. The Tour has been a big boost for our economy, for our confidence and for bringing communities together.

York, you’ve seen nothing yet!

Cllr James Alexander, Labour Leader of City of York Council.