First of all, it sounds like you had a nice race even with the mechanical problem. I've got a couple possible stay on the bike solutions for you (of course first would be to have it adjusted correctly in the first place). I had problems with a front derailler on an old bike and I got pretty good at taking my right foot out of the pedal and lifting the chain with my toe and directing it onto the chainring while I slowly pedaled forward with my left foot. I've also heard (I think from
www.roadbikerider.com) you can keep pedaling slowly and just shift back to the small chainring which will push the chain over so it catches on the chainring. I've never tried this method when the chain goes off on the pedal side like you had, but I have done it successfully when my chain has fallen off on the inside. Obviously, you do it slowly and if the chain binds up somewhere, you have to stop and get off the bike. Good luck with you racing. It sounds like you're ready for the year. I'm not there yet.