In a pro cross country race, especially on this course that got very tight shortly after the opening chute, the start position is a big deal. Everyone is fresh and capable of sprinting as hard as almost everyone else. Positioning yourself outside of your designated chute to get more daylight in your opening sprint makes a big difference. Ultimately, it was not outcome determinative for the Spaniards and the UK did not protest. But there was clearly an intent to get an advantage that other runners did not have at the start.