According to this Reddit thread, the camera actually is the finish line:
> According to UCI regulations, the camera is the finish line.
> The painted line on the road or track is placed there as a visual reference for riders and spectators, and obviously organizers try to align the painted line with the photo finish camera as best as possible. But that's all it is - a visual reference. The finish line is officially defined as the plane of the photo finish camera, not the painted finish line.
> According to UCI regulations, the camera is the finish line.
> The painted line on the road or track is placed there as a visual reference for riders and spectators, and obviously organizers try to align the painted line with the photo finish camera as best as possible. But that's all it is - a visual reference. The finish line is officially defined as the plane of the photo finish camera, not the painted finish line.
https://www.reddit.com/r/bicycling/comments/1emivk1/dont_if_...