In the A crit I do, they gutter like crazy. It's something you have to be thinking about all the time. Doesn't happen as much or as fast in the B crit. Great job having the fitness to be there. The next question for yourself is about that last lap fitness, because that's where races are won and lost. You'll get a good feel for it soon with more experience. And the more energy you save, the more you will have at the end. Of course, maybe you are a TT guy, and your best bet is an early attack. And catch out all the sprint-types.