I'm 26 years old as of last Saturday and this is my first year taking cycling seriously. I'm on the road about 9-10 hours per week every week, and I've purchased and read through half of Joe Friel's training bible... right up to the point where I'm supposed to be picking races and planning training for next year.

I don't really know what to pick though, and one of the pitfalls he mentions is not training for something specific. When I first started dreaming of road racing, I had only seen the Tour de France, and I thought stage racing was the norm. Now, come to find out, criteriums are a big deal in the US, and one of the most regular types of races here in Austin. I ride in groups every weekend and I think my bike handling skills are pretty good, and my muscular endurance is wayy better than it was in May.

Any suggestions from you guys on what races a first season rider should pick? The reason I ask is because I want to train for the right types of races, and a lot of your were once where I am. Any advice would be appreciated.