Riders are conditioned to think safety isn't their responsibility.
Most of the comments posted are correct, including some level of shame or national embarrassment because it happened. This isn't like a Far Side comic were something is obviously wrong!!H
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The officiating crew, especially the chief judge need to take full responsibility!! If it were just a couple of riders that misunderstood course and instructions.. Cool..but in this example widespread misunderstanding at a minimum. In many road races and crits there is a pull out area just shy of finish so motos, caravan and neutral support turn out so as not to cross the finish line.. On mountain stages it's often just a few meters from the finish, but also often something to mark the finish like a banner or big promotional ring, at our races it's inflated!! RedBull, Powerade, Gatorade, ect.. If this many riders don't understand the decision that they were supposed to make a few meters from the line at 60+ k an hour, it's the person's fault giving the instructions not the majority who didn't understand them.
The officials should freeze finish order, ask promoter if they agree to carry over prizes for next stage. Choose not to award a win or finishing order, no time bonuses. Things contested earlier like KOM and intermediates still stand, unless someone protests, nobody will. Being disqualified for cutting or deviation is also about intent.. Nobody was trying to cheat.