AS ONE who was “incarcerated” by the Tour de Yorkshire, may I pass on my hearty congratulations to all involved, what a great day and a coup for Yorkshire.

As to the vexed question of “who profits?” I think we all do. For every business that lost on the day, there is probably one that gained because of the influx of visitors to York. In the long term, the positive image created by the race in terms of TV, radio and coverage in the press, both in the UK and abroad, is incalculable. Like it or lump it, since the demise of the carriage works and the automation of chocolate production, two of York’s biggest employers now are tourism and higher education.

Both are in a global race for clients so an international showcase (it was no coincidence that one of the main sponsors runs ferries from Hull to the cycling-mad nations of Holland and Belgium) such as the tour will have a positive effect on both, creating jobs and the attendant wealth that is then shared around our city.

Mike Huffington, Walmgate, York.