But was it a prescribed route to the finish. With respect ROs don't always make it clear. I've known flagged sections that are 'recommended' 'compulsory' or 'actually just there for the junior races'
Sometimes it isn't obvious if it's acceptable to take a racing line or to follow a path, particularly when crossing a valley or dropping in to the closing stages. Rather than cheating perhaps it's a different interpretation or understanding of what was expected on that particular race?