Well I would say a first and a third is a pretty good start. Just wondering...it sounds like there were times in both races when it was pretty slow and you just sat in...why not just go and solo the thing? I know the pack goes faster and all but we are talking Cat5 and early season...and it sounds like you have been doing your training and may belong at a higher level (MTB racing) so why not just leave the pack in the dust?

I also noted that your HR spent a LOT of time in zones 1 and 2 from your other post...seems like a little more work and you could have just left both fields...maybe I am totally worng though.