Part of the issue here that needs mentioning is which category are you racing in ? Cat 5 and Cat 4 will predominantly have erratic pack motion executing any turn, some will be quite capable of handling any turn in a flowing manner. Other's will just fight and try to find the right approach at the worst possible time. Which is while negotiating a turn. Regardless it only takes one or two riders to alter the flow thru a turn and force those behind to adjust to a different and very possibly worse line. If you find yourself behind such riders than it's all hands on deck ( so to speak ).
In a 1-3 race, this will likely not be the rule but rather a rare exception. In a Pro 1-3 race, there it will be smooth transitions thru each turn. The difference being that in these cats, everyone understands that flowing effortlessly is the way.
Having to constantly regain lost ground after each corner means there won' be much left near the finish. Doesn't seem like much those first few corners, but they will tax your reserves.