raced sixty times in the last three years. crashed thrice in them three years. broken bones = 0. separated shoulder = 1. broken bike = 1.
FYI to OP ... just race. Equipment won't matter. I raced my first race in 2013 on an old 2006 Felt alloy something or other against a bunch of guys on top end goods. It was fun. Be safe. Report back with the story.