A little structured training with intervals plus improved group riding skills should help. You can buy and read Friel's training bible or Carmichael's 'Time crunched cyclist' or other cycling books. Alternatively, have a look in the racing subgroup and read: http://www.bikeforums.net/33-road-bi...cipe-book.html

The basic intervals to improve FTP are 2x20 intervals somewhere around 90-100% of FTP. I like 6x5x1 @ 106-108% of FTP. That's 6 intervals of 5 min duration with 1 min rest between intervals. You need a powermeter for those whereas the 2x20s can be done based on HR.

For higher intensity efforts which are important for group riding you need a mix of 1 and 5 min intervals. Ideally, you'd find a hill of suitable length and do repeats on the hill. Better yet, practice on the route the A group rides on specifically where you are getting dropped. Lots of examples in the workout recipe link above.

As far as group riding skills, newer riders are often uncomfortable 'sticking' to a wheel and end up letting gaps open up which causes you to do more work than necessary. Keep at it with the A group and you'll figure out where the hard parts of the ride are and be prepared to do whatever is necessary to stay within 12" of the wheel in front of you.

Good luck!