[steplock]

Note to race organizers, we already have a race over cobblestones. Let's leave it out of the Tour from now on.


Let's have the "nanny state" even more involved in our lives also?

The "cobblestones" are simply an old roadway - the danger is from the other bikers who are cutthroat euros, not the inanimate rocks (shades of the SUV).

While we're at it, why don't they all wear football padding to protect them? airbags would help?

[NittanyLion]

Let's have the "nanny state" even more involved in our lives also?

?

The race is almost 3400 km long. Why should 3km of flat racing factor so heavily in the final outcome?

[TomB]

Let's have the "nanny state" even more involved in our lives also?

What does the "nanny state" have to do with race organizers? What a stupid statement.

If cobblestones were part of every Tour, you would have a (marginal) point, but they aren't. It isn't a test of who can ride on bad roads, it is a test of the best rider over 3 weeks.