Sir, – The Tour de France Grand Départ 2014 has gone now and those who were involved, either as spectators or part of the organisation will now be able to take stock of the impact of the cycle race and the interest that it generated.

The actual passing of the riders past any given spot could be measured in seconds, apart from the climbs at Buttertubs, Grinton Moor, Holme Moss et al. Many people will have treasured memories of this event and will pass them on to children and grandchildren.

One group that should now be mentioned was 5,000+ strong volunteers who acted as Tourmakers during the two days that the Grand Départ was in Yorkshire. Throughout the Grand Départ, the volunteer Tourmakers covered the whole of the race route, providing advice and assistance to spectators and the race.

As one of the contingent who helped by volunteering on day one through North Yorkshire, I can look back on the event with satisfaction.

All the Yorkshire Tourmakers had to attend an orientation event at the Leeds Arena, followed by specific role training for a day at the Leeds United ground.

Many of the Tourmakers had travelled some distance to Leeds for these events, all at their own expense.

At the role training, simple tasks like pedestrians crossing and flag marshalls around road furniture took on a more-serious aspect, with the safety of spectators, riders and officials at risk. Riders and race officials expect specific signs and warnings from marshalls in line with common practice in France during Le Tour.

I was posted to a traffic island in North Stainley near Ripon as a flag marshall. After checking in at Leyburn by 7am, our contingent was dropped off at various points all the way through to Ripon by 11am, even though the riders were not expected until around 4pm.

When the riders did arrive, it was akin to a cavalry charge. Travelling at nearly 40mph across the whole road, surrounded and preceded by motorcyclists, helicopters and official vehicles, the riders flashed by and parted like water around me on hearing the whistle and seeing the flag – an experience not for the faint-hearted.

My colleagues had been spread out through Middleham, Masham, and West Witton, where they were treated to a visit from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The sharp corner leading into West Witton, known locally as the “widowmaker,” was a favourite spot for viewing.

The spirit of volunteering for such events followed on from the success of similar volunteers from the London Olympics and is probably unique to our islands. Long may it last.

Now let’s look forward to a 2015 Tour de Yorkshire.

BRIAN GLEESON Guisborough.