+1

I rode a series of very hard 10,000+ ft. centuries last year. I climb extremely slowly (just ask umd). It took away from my speed in our local races. I could still finish the races (didn't go OTB), but I didn't have that extra snap at the end and pack surges hurt (that's all there is in cat 4's after all ). I couldn't do both.

To be able to hang with the race, you need to find a fast group to ride/train with. Once you're up to "race speed", you can throw in some intervals--they're better for the finishing sprints, breakaways, pack surges, etc... Find Botto's thread (sticky'd) on wanting to race. It outlines it perfectly.