On to stage 2 of the Tour de Zwift circled Innsbruck. The stage went 11.1 miles with two climbs up the same hill at 8%. Starting time came at 1:13 PM but I almost missed the start time by not allowing enough time to get everything set up. Then once the race started I noticed my heart rate monitor not showing up on the Zwift dashboard. So I hopped off the Blue Norcross AL bike, quickly paired the Tickr Fit and got back on. By then I fell to about 128th place out of 138 racers. From there it was catch up. For awhile I rode alone but I watched the nearby riders and their w/kg numbers and tried to ride above that to pull them in.

Racing without a fence means my ability to turn the pedals and put out watts determines my position. Over 10+ miles I worked up to 98th place. For the sprint to the finish one racer I got in front and I tried to stay in his draft but fell back and came in behind him in 99th place out of 177.

After racing two Tour de Zwift Stages I think I know the tactics to stay in a group if I get set up on time and no equipment issues. Looking forward to Stage 3 race. I try to do the Stage Group Ride but Group C is for women only and Group B is too fast.

Cool weather at Texbiker HQ on Monday. Zwifting will take place.