As for my race.the course really didn't suit me. Hilly by florida standards, with the biggest hill at the start finish. Road upfront all day, and was glad to be in the first handfull everytime up the climb.
Did some work for teammates bridging gaps,and placing a teamate at the front for the the final climb.
I knew my odds of a high placing with a climb at the finsih were low, so I just worked for my team mate,
and then cruised in for a pack finish.
Also my schedule called for 2 hours of endurance miles after the race, so I wasn't really looking to kill myself. ( and I have a few other excuses if you don't buy those.)