Performance Process

• Special ep: TDU pit walk with aero expert John Pitman

  At the 2024 edition of the Tour Down Under, Ronan Mc Laughlin was joined by aerodynamicist JP Ballard as they walked through the pits to talk about the aero hits and misses within the latest bikes of the WorldTour. For 2025 we’re back with something of a similar theme.This time Dave Rome is joined by the Head of Aerodynamics at South Australian Sports Institute (SASI), John Pitman.Now, with access to a wind tunnel he oversees (a story we aim to share soon), Pitman takes a stroll through the pits, talking about general aero themes, the effectiveness of design flourishes, and other random things seen.Normally, this type of episode would be exclusive to members of Escape Collective, but instead, we’re keeping things open to give you a taste of the sort of content you may be missing out on. If you like this episode, and if you haven’t already, then please consider becoming a member of Escape Collective. Similarly, please share it with a friend who may enjoy it.

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• Aero testing at home

  In this episode of Performance Process, we’re joined by Barnaby Garood of AeroSensor to dive deeper into the world of aero testing at home with the AeroSensor drag measurement system. Barnaby, a former F1 aerodynamicist, shares insights on how the AeroSensor brings aero testing to the everyday rider’s everyday roads, helping cyclists of all levels unlock real performance gains without the hefty price tag of traditional lab testing.From setup and calibration to course selection, interpreting yaw angles, and managing real-world variables, Barnaby breaks down the practicalities of aero testing—what works, what doesn’t, and how to get meaningful data from your efforts.The conversation also touches on the evolution of aero testing, why real-world conditions might be more valuable than controlled lab settings, and why repeatability is king when it comes to finding those elusive aero gains. Whether you're chasing Strava PBs, eyeing a faster time trial, or simply curious about aero optimisation, this episode delivers practical advice you can put to use straight away.

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• Should we adjust our bike fit for indoor riding?

  In this episode of Performance Process, host Ronan McLaughlin dives into the nuances of indoor bike fitting with bike fit expert Phil Burt. With the rise of indoor training, many cyclists encounter power, comfort, and injury issues they don’t have outdoors.Burt, a physiotherapist with over a decade of experience at British Cycling and Team Sky, shares his insights into optimising your indoor fit to mitigate these issues. From adjusting saddle tilt to understanding the impact of our reduced movement, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and hacks to enhance comfort, reduce injuries, and maximise performance during indoor sessions. Plus, they explore the future of indoor cycling technology and its implications for bike fitting.Whether you're a competitive cyclist or a weekend warrior, an indoor super fan or someone who only heads indoors when the weather turns, if you've ever wondered if you should adjust your fit for the turbo, this episode is for you.

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• Aero testing demystified, with expert tips from AeroCoach

  In this episode of Performance Process, we return to our conversation with Xavier Disley of AeroCoach to explore the practical side of aero testing.From wind tunnels to velodromes, on-road testing at home, and cutting-edge CFD tools, we break down the pros, cons, and real-world challenges of aero testing along with practical tips for each.Whether you’re optimising your position or debating the value of aero meters, Xavier shares expert insights and practical tips to help you understand the science, avoid common pitfalls, and get the most out of your aero efforts.

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• Aero secrets with the Aerocoach, Xavier Disley

  In this episode of Performance Process, we sit down with Xavier Disley, founder of Aerocoach, to dive deep into the world of aerodynamics in cycling.Disley is the "Aerocoach" and brings a wealth of experience on going faster with no extra effort, having worked with athletes from local time trialists to Grand Tour winners, not to mention his own racing endeavours which include a Masters Individual Pursuit World Championship title.On the industry side, his expertise span into aero testing, equipment development, a range of Aerocoach aero products including wheels, handlebars, plus various other components, and advising other manufacturers on how to create components that reduce drag and enhance performance.Whether you're an already optimised competitive rider or just starting to think about aero, Disley shares invaluable insights on how to make your setup faster.We discuss the critical aspects of aerodynamics, from clothing fit, rider position, and saddle angle, to choosing the right gear and our choice of tyre could be like adding an additional 1% gradient to your entire ride!Xavier breaks down the key factors every cyclist should consider to reduce drag and increase speed. Plus, he reveals some practical tips and tricks to help you ride faster with simple and free, yet effective adjustments.This is part one of a two-part series with Xavier, so stay tuned for the next episode, where we explore the world of aero testing—different methods, the pros and cons of each, and how they can help you take your performance to the next level.

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