Originally Posted by gregf83

Plenty of good advice in this thread from experience racers. I always thought the point of Cat 5 was a place to experiment and observe, and less about winning. Learn how to animate the race by attacking at various times including when you (and everyone else) are hurting. Observe and think about why other riders might not want to let you in front of them. You're not the only rider who read it's good to be near the front of the pack.

Regarding tactics, I like Mike Tyson's take: Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth.