Real-world testing shows suspension forks might flip the script in the gravel v MTB tyre debate.

What happens when you bring WorldTour-level testing rigour to gravel? In this episode of Performance Process, Ronan sits down with performance engineer Marc Graveline to unpack a surprising result from two intensive testing blocks with pro rider Hannah Shell in the run-up to Unbound.

Using drag sensors, IMUs, and a structured testing protocol, Graveline found that 40 mm gravel tyres paired with a suspension fork outperformed even wide MTB tyres, overturning one of gravel racing’s biggest equipment trends of the past two years.

They dig into tyre pressure, terrain interaction, the importance of system thinking, and how optimisation on rough roads demands a rethink of conventional aero priorities. This one’s about more than just tyres—it’s about changing how we think about speed on gravel.

Is heat training the next big performance unlock, or just another way to cook yourself?

In this episode of Performance Process, Ronan Mc Laughlin sits down with elite coach Jacob Tipper to unpack the science, applications, and pitfalls of heat training. They dive into what actually happens to your body in the heat, the potential gains in plasma volume and haemoglobin mass, and why more athletes are turning up the temperature even in cold climates. From WorldTour race prep to age-group applications, the conversation blends physiology, practical protocols, and hard-earned lessons from coaching athletes like Ben Healy and working with Dan Bigham in preparation for his successful Hour Record attempt. If you’ve ever wondered about heat training, this is the episode for you.

Part 2 of our listen back to when JP Ballard of SwissSide joined us for part one of our Performance Process deep dive into all things aerodynamics.

Ballard is founder and CEO of aerodynamics specialists Swiss Side. The Swiss company produces wheels and aero calf sleeves, but the majority of its work is in offering its aerodynamic expertise to other manufacturers in the cycling industry. He had also sat down with us in January 2024 to record three hours worth of discussion and advice on aerodynamics and performance.

In part 2 we discuss if lower and narrower is slower or faster, acid tests for assessing aero marketing, and why aero matters regardless of what speed we ride at, even uphill.

We then delve into where’s best to spend your money chasing aero gains, the best bang for the buck, so to speak. Finally, perhaps the biggest takeaway is that JP doesn’t believe the rule of 105 is as critical as we once thought