I get the impression you think sprinters need to train less.. And I don't believe that's true.
But fwiw the element of surprise is indeed your friend - if you get the jump on people, you don't need to be the best sprinter in the field. I know because I've done it and it works.
If you like to attack, just wait until the last 1/2 lap to do so, don't be an idiot and go solo with 30 minutes to go, thinking you're superman. Most of us ain't.
My $0.02.