"cross them when you can, tack to leeward and ahead when you can't."
And there in lies the answer. You would have had to duck to cross them leaving only the chance of a header to spoil them missing the finish line.
In this situation tacking to leeward and ahead (lee bow) is your best chance to win. You're looking for a lift, and with >1000m distance left, the prospects are very good.
Who said it? "NEVER overstand the layline!"
