I put my Specialized on the podium twice in my first year of racing in Cat 5. I agree that it is more about you than the bike in the first year. Train smart... that is the best advice.

The Allez elite is what I would buy, then put on some good DT Swiss hoops from oddsandendos.com. I have mine weighing in at 19.5 lbs. (58cm), which is more than light enough for a decent rider in cat 5.