EMERGENCY service chiefs have praised their staff and partner agencies for the work they did to make the Grand Depart such a success.

Alan Baranowski, associate director at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “I would like to say a big thank you to everyone at YAS for a job well done this weekend and I expect that, like me, they are all extremely proud to have been involved in this unique and momentous event.

“The service has been kept very busy throughout the weekend but our contingency plans held up and we maintained a safe and responsive service as the public of Yorkshire and visitors to the region celebrated in true Yorkshire style. We couldn’t have achieved this without the dedication and support of all of our staff, volunteers, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and our neighbouring ambulance services colleagues.”

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Milsom of West Yorkshire Police oversaw a partnership between West, South and North Yorkshire, and worked with the French police and Gendarmerie, as well as Tour organisers.

He said: “The Tour de France has been a tremendous success for Yorkshire and, after the amazing scenes and atmosphere these past two days, I am certain that Yorkshire has also been a tremendous success for the Tour de France. Everybody involved in planning and delivering this incredible event can be very proud.”

“From a policing perspective, it wasn’t just about making sure this world-class sporting event was delivered safely. We wanted to do it with a smile on our faces and really embrace the feel-good factor associated with the Tour de France. The team work between the three police forces of West, South and North Yorkshire has been very impressive throughout and I thank all the officers and staff for their outstanding contribution.”