You need to remember that each "Batch" is its own race. Generally batches are seeded with riders of similar ability, and it all comes down to the specific rider tactics/teams?/willingness-to-work-together/personal-agendas etc. Just because C catches B, or B catches up to A, certainly doesnt mean the batches are seeded incorrectly, or the lower riders are better than those in higher batches. The problem really lies with the organization in the fact that each batch only has 2 minutes separating it from the next, and this affects the "racing" going on in each batch as once they amalgamate, it really becomes a total mess. If batch B catches batch A, then in an ideal world B should be allowed to pass A unhindered, so that the "racing" in each batch can continue. This never happens (except when commissaires usually instruct groups to allow faster elite groups such as the Elite Ladies for instance, to pass them in road races) Proper racing with all its intrigue, cat and mouse games, attacks, and counters is great fun, but sadly doesnt happen outside the Elite and racing vets groups...
