sounds like a great race! it's very important to size up the skills of the other riders. Especially like you said, to get stuck behind someone on the downhill can be very frustrating. Use that as your motivation to charge the hill...if you lungs can take it. on the flip side if you are a climber take advantage and don't feel bad if you crest the hill first.

work on the climbs and you will be on the podium in no time. i have some climbing tips to share and will start a new tread. Keep it up!!