So, this spring I decided to do some racing. I have cycled recreationally for approximately ~1 year, but really enjoy going fast, and my racer friends encouraged me to race. I also did a 16-mile TT last spring, just for kicks, and managed to pull off a 23.6 mph average speed. For a climbing baseline, I also did a Mt. Hamilton ascent in 1:31 last June while on a family vacation.

I decided in Jan. to start really training in earnest. Since in the end of Jan., I started training around 10-12 hrs/week, and have slowly ramped up to doing 250-300 miles/week (16-18 hrs/week). Needless to say, I feel really, really strong, and really good! I feel it is time to taper base training, and I am starting to work in a good amount of intensity.

Any suggestions how to get faster? Any "pet" workouts that give you really good results? I want to hear some brutal workouts to do.... I am out for blood, and I want to kick some serious butt.

Also, any good baselines to check whether you are seriously in good shape?

Edit - My first race is a hilly 45 minute + 2 lap crit on April 26th....