Why is 3rd not behind 2nd?

edwardianed

I have no problem with losing the powerboard race on Risa, but what bugs me is that if I'm in second place and someone grabs the flag just before I do, I have to turn around and backtrack a few steps to grab the third place flag, during which time someone behind me has already grabbed it; so I now no longer place and am just a participant.

Which designer thought that this flag placement was at all practical?