It is linked to recent ZRS updates and returning riders whose score decayed - see this thread. They are essentially allowed to race much below their abilities.
If you check the first two in your race, their ZRS is shown as arrow down (as it is from ZRS in their last race) but in fact it went up if you considered the ZRS at the start of your race. That is why they were allowed to enter.
Some of these may be gifted multiple podiums before they are put back where they should be. Sad, but it is what it is…