[NMCycling] [SPOILER ALERT] ASO's TdF equalizer?

[pgsery via Bike-racers]

Does anyone know the history of cobbled TdF stages? Spring Classics 
style racing seems to be a recent phenomenon and is likely a partial 
response to Armstrong/Sky designer teams that choreograph a superior 
rider into a dominant position. Cobbles (especially when you add rain) 
almost guarantee the removal of some top riders, like happened today, 
and discourages dynasties. (Look for this to end the next time a French 
rider like Hinault surfaces;-)

It also makes for great TV!