Yes they will be up-graded although the guy who came second had already been promoted to 'D' grade but when he blew up and dropped out not being able to endure to the higher pace level there, he was allowed to return to 'E' grade while he got himself sorted.
It's all a mess and regardless of the outcome I believe they have ripped off the genuine regulars.
On a separate issue, we had a strange occurrence in the finish straight where we got tangled up with a higher grade. They were coasting along in their 2nd last lap expecting to get the bell as they crossed the finish, we were finishing. To sprint meant we would have to pass the higher grade.
In light of the fact that the lower grades are not allowed to 'draft' off higher grades and are expected to leave a 20m gap to the last rider of a higher grade, I'm a tad perplexed as to what action should have taken in those circumstances. It seems ridiculous to just sit back and coast over the line at normal riding pace but to contest a sprint finish would/did put you in the middle of the higher grade**********
When an official was questioned post race he just shrugged his shoulders.
Any thoughts?
Bern