I did the same clinic and race. The clinic started out as expected, very unorganized, but eventually smoothed out in our group. When we got up to over 20mph doing pace lines the mentor told us to slow down because we were at race speed. That turned out to be a bit of an understatement because the actual race averaged about 26mph. I got dropped on the first lap and ended up in a 3-5 person chase most of the race, only to be lapped by the pack 25 minutes in. That was about when a mentor pointed out I had a busted spoke. I looked back to see my rear wheel wobbling and when I stopped the rim was firmly lodged against the brake. I heard a ping somewhere in the first lap so I can only guess how long I was riding with a rubbing brake. I was very discouraged at my performance but now I have to wonder if I could have kept up with the pack with a good wheel. My fastest lap was only 25mph. Not a good experience for my first race.