Peaking Question
 

So i've been trying to structure my training better (with the aid of joe friels book) and have just finished peaking before a taper this week and a big race next weekend. I've noticed in that last few workouts i seem to have lost some strength and endurance (i've also felt on the cusp of overtraining) and i'm wondering is this is the norm? will the taper week help me recoup enough that i'll come back stronger and faster?

I feel that overtraining is as much a function of what you are doing for the other 21-22 hours you have off of the bike. Mental and physical layoffs are important. This is also a function of what you did in February. If you have specific goals, then shoot for a date then taper naturally. 8-10 week periods allow you 3 solid rampup's per season.
Keep up with your weight. Many people 'diet' and lose power as they lose weight during the season. No racer loses weight in the height of the season.

You should be fairly tired at the end of a training cycle, and the recovery week should get you to come back stronger and faster.