Originally Posted by
josullivan
.... what kind of advantage do the riders get by riding at the side of the cobbled sections where the track seems quite a bit smoother than on the cobbles themselves?...
Discounting the reduced traction from polished cobbles, you generally want to ride the most worn track possible. This is where you'll get the minimum vibration and lost speed due to the bumps. It's also the most comfortable, which is a real factor on long stretches of rough roads.
As I said, there's the downside of reduced traction, which becomes paramount if it rains.
If you keep in mind that every bump involves lost speed and more effort to maintain speed, you'll understand why experienced riders seek the smoothest track possible.