Just found out how everyone's getting through the gates before the race actually starts. Accidentally did this myself earlier. Didn't see it posted anywhere else.
If your lagging you can walk right through the gate. Its the same as the old way to get through GW gate.
Easiest way is to disconnect your modem when the gate is off screen, and reconnect it, then run across while your still lagging. And when it reconnects your back running on the winning side.