i too want to to be a contender. i average 15mph for over +2hours with a couple thousand feet climbing and flats(its cali nothing is flat, so under 1k climb) say 17mph over two hours.

maybe next year after a summer of traning and doing some group rides. i worry i won't have control in a packed race or have the recovery after many sprints. that and my quads are to small, only 18.75inches and 14.5inch calfs. freaking chicken legs.