Originally Posted by
Carbonfiberboy
Some Real Racers will probably jump in here . . .
However, it is said that the way to get to ride faster is to ride faster. So try intervals at 30 mph or as close to that as you can get. Hold it as long as you can, recover, repeat. Say 2 sets of 3 on a moderate ride and after you're well warmed up. Really work on your aero position and form during these. Quit when you can't hit your speed any more. Crits are all about anaerobic efforts, recovering, and doing it again and again. So that's what you want to do. Try the "33" Road Bike Racing for better information. There's a sticky for intervals that's very useful and those folks are a mine of information.
You are doing great on your strong foundation. Chapeau!
Actually, he could short circuit all this and find a decent cycling coach to take him under their wing. That coach then might be able to come up with a training program that works on speed, but more importantly, the ability to cope with acceleration and surges. The OP, as a junior, obviously must have some talent to finish second in a crit, and at least consulting with a club coach might be helpful.