HIGHWAYS bosses have said their Tour de France plans involving the closure of more than 650 roads, passed off without a hitch. North Yorkshire County Council said organisers spent weeks working to ensure the race route would be kept clear and issued appeals to motorists not to obstruct the roads.

Emergency towing options had been drawn up as a precaution, but in the event they were not used.

Councillor John Weighell, the council's leader, said: “This was quite simply a fantastic event, of huge importance not only in terms of spectator enjoyment but even more significantly in terms of the postive image of our county which was presented to a global television audience of millions.

"I am confident we shall be counting the benefits of this extraordinary event for many years to come.”