OP, are you riding / training only in Central Park ? I would say head up north along the Hudson towards the hills and work on your base.
Personally when I was in NY I never liked CP, just too many intangibles to pay attention to. A roadway out of the city is much more conducive to working on building up the levels.
Getting in that training of riding above an average speed of 22-24mph for 2+ hours will build and give you the needed fitness to allow you to go when you want, not having to wait for either a lull or when everyone is watching each other. You need to be able to dictate the pace when the race calls for it. In other words be able to put at least 50% of that pack in the red zone chasing you.
That ability and good tactics will give you results.