As additional advice on the positioning thing: I always warm up with a few 85% effort sprints to the finish line (usually the start line as well...how convenient) noting hazards, potholes, wind direction and landmarks to watch for so I know where I WANT to begin my sprint. If it is a lap race, I always take note of whether the wind is in the same direction and I try to make sure people have to come around into the wind. Finally, though I have done this and lined up on the right side of the road making all come around into the wind, I was once screamed at from behind in an impossible location - just over my right shoulder. He shouted something to the effect of move or some other crap, but it was so impossible for anyone to think about coming up that side and the volume of the primal yell was so unnerving that I hesitated for half a pedal stroke and took second when I had an easy first. I should not have hesitated, and I should have held my line boxing him out from coming around the easy side, but I did not. I learned two things from this. 1) don't be a sucker and fall for this again, and 2) use this on some other sucker who is not expecting it and is in your way. Scared the daylights out of me!