I don't think I made a derogatory remark about the management Eddy, but through weak management, the organisers DID allow the riders to move their numbers, thus devaluing the Programme.
It should be possible go through that list, sort out a perfectly reasonable order, and have the riders be told that "only under exceptional circumstances " would a rider change be considered. Otherwise, the riders set off in the order of the programme. End of.
And right now, I cannot imagine what would constitute "exceptional circumstances".
The original system worked for over 100 years Eddy. Years ago the winners numbers were all over the place from No.1 to No.78.
I don't propose going back to that arrangement, but the system from 1960 to around 2012 was as good as it gets, so why the change?
If there was a clear safety requirement to adopt this new system, I would be agreeing with you, that goes without saying.
This is NOT a "no overtaking" sport.