# 15 - Swiss InSide x Sam Laidlow

In this episode, Daniel Jugan interviews Jean-Paul Ballard, founder of Swiss side, to discuss the Tour de France from an engineering perspective. They explore the strategic and technical aspects of the race, including bike setups, team dynamics, and the role of technology in enhancing performance. The conversation highlights the team's achievements, future aspirations, and the importance of key riders like Paul Sexus. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the exhilarating experiences of the Tour de France, discussing the intense atmosphere of the race, the dynamics within the team car, and the challenges faced by drivers. They highlight the importance of rider safety, the need for innovations in cycling technology, and the ongoing efforts to improve safety measures in the sport. The conversation also touches on the logistics of team car operations and the realities of managing a team during a high-stakes race.

At this years Challenge Roth, Sam Laidlow delivered a historic race. But a performance like this does not happen by chance. In the latest episode of the Swiss inSide Podcast, Daniel and JP take a closer look at everything behind the record: • Extensive wind tunnel and real-world testing • Aerodynamics • Cooling and race-day preparation • Data-driven pacing strategies • The role of the Swiss Side Performance Platform • The mental strength required to push beyond existing limits How do countless hours of testing translate into seven decisive seconds on race day? And how much faster can triathlon become in the future? Listen now to the new episode: “7 Seconds Faster - About a New World Record.”

In this podcast episode, Daniel Jugan interviews Laura Philipp, discussing various aspects of training, racing, and performance. They explore the significance of off days, the pressure of expectations in the sport, and the strategies athletes use to improve their performance. Laura shares her experiences with wind tunnel testing and the balance between aerodynamics and power on the bike, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changing conditions in races. In this engaging conversation, Daniel Jugan and Laura discuss the evolution of training and equipment in triathlon, emphasizing the importance of aerodynamics, mental preparation, and consistency in performance. They explore the significance of injury prevention and health management, while also providing valuable advice for young athletes. The discussion highlights the balance between joy and competition in sports, and the necessity of listening to one's body for sustainable training practices.

In this episode, Daniel Jugan hosts Laura Philip and Jörg from Swiss Side to discuss the newly launched Performance Platform, a tool designed for age groupers to optimize their race strategies and equipment choices. The conversation highlights the platform's capabilities in pacing and equipment optimization, as well as the importance of data-driven decisions for athletes. Laura shares her experience using the tool during the Ironman World Championships, emphasizing how it helped her execute her race plan effectively. Jörg explains the platform's features and its goal to reduce mental load for athletes, providing them with confidence on race day.

In this episode, Daniel and JP discuss the latest innovations in aerodynamics for running and cycling, including the development of the first fully aerodynamic running shoe in collaboration with Salomon. They explore the impact of aerodynamics on performance, upcoming product launches, and the future of sports technology.

In this episode, we reflect on the past year at Swiss Side in the triathlon and cycling industry. We discuss the challenges we faced, including global disruptions and product recalls. We also highlight the successes of 2025, from product launches to key innovations, while emphasizing the importance of safety and quality assurance. Our conversation touches on the lessons learned and our plans for 2026, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the Swiss Side team. It feels great to be back with the first episode of 2026 – and we are ready to deliver at least one podcast episode per month for you. Tune in on the podcast platform of your choice. And feel free to send us your feedback and questions – we will implement what we can. Enjoy all the rides, Your #swisssidecrew

In this episode, professional triathlete Anne-Sophie Pierre shares her journey from a young athlete to competing at the professional level. She discusses her early experiences in triathlon, the challenges of transitioning to professional racing, and her goals for the future, including preparing for Ironman events. Anne-Sophie emphasizes the importance of mental resilience, the role of social media in her career, and the support she receives from her partner and family. She also offers valuable advice for aspiring athletes, encouraging them to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.

In episode number 16, Lisa Nordén opens up about her journey, from her Olympic experiences to the evolution of triathlon aerodynamics. She shares valuable insights on balance, the importance of pacing strategies, and how the sport has changed - especially with new equipment and testing options. We also talked about the role mental health plays in an athlete's success and her future goals. Tune in for a deep dive into the mindset and experiences of one of triathlon’s best 🎧🔥. Enjoy all the rides, Your #swisssidecrew

The goals for this season are set, now it’s time to get prepared to deliver at the most iconic races in the world of triathlon. We had a tea with Sam on his balcony and talked about the highs and lows of being a pro, his dedication and commitment to this sport and so much more.

In this episode, Flurina Rigling shares her journey in para cycling, discussing her gradual entry into the sport, the impact of adaptive technologies on her performance, and the emotional challenges she faced during competitions.