I usually ride alone, but yesterday, I took up the local weekend group ride (planning to do this every week) and it proved a bit difficult at some points. I didn't get dropped or anything, thank god. But the guys that race competitively finished ahead of us by around a minute or so. (86km ride)

We stayed as one group for 60km or so, then the strongest riders attacked on a climb. This is where we split up into 2 groups. I couldn't keep up with the light/small riders on a hill, weighing 75kg at 181cm vs 60/65kg skinny guys. Excuses excuses, eh?

We did catch them though, we stayed together for a while, attacking for a few meters and letting off. This frequent attacking put me on the red. We hit another hill and same thing happened, couldn't keep up with them and we split up again and that was it. We see them up ahead, but just not fast enough to catch them.

Do I need to work on intervals to keep up with these guys? my lower back was killing me the last 20km as well, probably from the frequent attacks/higher speed that I'm used to. At least that's what I think it was.

What do you guys think I should work on more? I'm not looking to loose any more weight to be frank. Any advice, tips, hints is appreciated.

Cheers!