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The Silent Effort

Casper Hessellund

The Silent Effort explores the unseen work behind the world’s best endurance athletes, coaches, and performance innovators. From cycling and triathlon to the science, mindset, and sacrifices required to perform at the highest level.

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  • 2 episodes
  • Avg 39 min
  • English

Episodes 2

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  • S1 · E2
    Monday · 38 min

    How get faster on flat roads with former pro - Arne Peters

    Lower is not always faster, and that one mistake could be costing you free speed on every flat ride. Arne Peters, the cyclist-turned-bike-builder who obsesses over aerodynamics, reveals why the smartest position is often the one riders never test. Casper Hessellund sits down with Arne to unpack the hidden tradeoff most cyclists miss: the fastest setup is not just about shrinking your frontal area, but about finding the sweet spot between aerodynamics, power, comfort, and sustainability. Arne shares how he used an adjustable stem, hour-long road tests, and real-world power data to discover that a higher front end could actually make him faster, not slower. You'll discover why cyclists fixate on CDA but ignore the harder question of whether they can hold the position for an hour, why some riders lose speed by chasing the lowest possible stack, and how tiny details like shoulder shrug, elbow position, helmet shape, and clothing can completely change your drag. Arne also breaks down why modern bike fits often rely more on tradition and pattern recognition than actual performance feedback. We break down the biggest free speed opportunities for amateur and serious riders alike, including: why adjustable stems are one of the most underrated tools in bike fitting why a proper position test should come before expensive wheels why 30 to 32 mm tires can be faster overall for many riders why integrated handlebars may be more style than speed why aero gains only matter if you can sustain them under pressure If you race crits, attack in breakaways, ride solo, or just want to stop wasting watts, this episode is packed with practical ways to get faster without guessing. Arne also explains when aerodynamics start to matter most, what most cyclists get wrong about "slam stem" culture, and why the next big shift in bike fit may already be underway. Essential listening if you want real-world speed gains, not bike-shop mythology. Start testing, start measuring, and find out where your actual speed is hiding.

  • S1 · E1
    August 18 · 41 min

    The science of going faster on a road bike: Aerodynamics & performance optimization with Frederik Muff

    Aero wins races before the first pedal stroke - and most cyclists are spending money in the wrong place. Frederik Muff, Fusion’s aero specialist and a Danish time trial record holder, breaks down what actually makes you faster, from the one change that can save real watts to the products that are mostly marketing. Frederik has set Danish records in 10, 30, 50, and 100 km time trials, and he brings that racing experience into the wind tunnel every day. He and i get into the details that matter most for triathletes, time trialists, and serious cyclists who want speed that actually shows up on race day - not just in a product launch claim. You'll discover why body position beats almost everything else, why the helmet-suit-position system matters more than any single part, and why a “faster” setup in the wind tunnel can still be the wrong choice in the real world. Frederik also explains when aero starts to matter, how much resistance comes from the air, why headwinds hurt so much more than tailwinds help, and why the best athletes are often the most willing to experiment. We break down where to spend 1,000 euros for the biggest return, what not to waste money on first, and how Fusion approaches testing with elite riders like Mattias Skjelmose, Magnus Ditlev, and Sam Laidlow. Frederik shares the biggest gains he’s seen, the weirdest surprises the tunnel has revealed, and why sometimes the most valuable test result is finding out nothing needs to change. He also pulls back the curtain on how a wind tunnel actually works, how repeatable measurements are, how aero claims get gamed, and why outdoor validation still matters. If you’ve ever wondered whether deep wheels, aero helmets, skinsuits, or lower positions really make the difference, this episode gives you the answers that matter. Perfect for triathletes, cyclists, and endurance athletes who want to stop guessing and start making smarter aero decisions.

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