Well, looks like you learned that one! Do it again next time! Just make sure that you're monitoring the gap, and back off slightly if you know you're going to get absorbed by the group and be ready to squeeze very hard for a few seconds to get back on. Ideally a small group will bridge up and then you have a breakaway! The most glorious way to win . I managed to turn myself into a breakaway rider this year with increased training, some weight loss, and lots of trying and failing