When I pushed the button to establish CyclingDestination in October 2020, I had no idea what it would become. I felt a huge drive to start publishing better travel content. With reliable information about destinations. With more destinations. With all sorts of things. A drive that I couldn't contain and that I couldn't release to other parties either. All this did not lead to the real launch of the site until 2021. The first article is dated June 2021. So you see. In those years since, so much has changed. The design, the approach, the explorers (writers). Great moments, beautiful journeys, special destinations. We haven't even seen the tip of the iceberg yet.
On two wheels
We love going out into the world. On two wheels. In search of beautiful places. To classic destinations. To great stories and special encounters. If you look at our content, we are strong in Europe, but can definitely do even better. And we can look for so much more on the edges of this continent and beyond. But for now, I, Sander, am very proud of what we have all achieved together. That is why I have now chosen about 5 stories that I want to highlight again. Which are of special significance to me or just because I think it's cool. Share your comments, like us on the various social channels. Subscribe to our newsletter or contribute to our platform. On to the million.
Top five stories - Switzerland
My love for Switzerland has gone from zero to 100. The story of the ascent of Barrage d'Emosson is very special to me. For me, it is the beginning of Cycling Destination. Planting a seed. At the summit, on the dam overlooking Mont Blanc, I was overcome with emotion. After several difficult years in terms of work and private life, I was standing there. In the mountains. In the sun. With a few special people around me. I couldn't really get rid of it, but I had to deal with it. My experience of those few days Switzerland you can read in this article: Cycling to Barrage d'Emosson: a course from a never-run World Cup
Top 5 part 2 - Bolzano
My very first step in Italy was in the city of Bolzano. On holiday in Austria, in 1998, we went to this city in northern Italy. My love for the language and the country was born there, at that time. I went back many times. Both by bike and just for holidays. I learned the language (thanks Duolingo) and I was at home there. But in 2020 and beyond, Bolzano suddenly became work. The circle is and was complete. In 2020, I got to go on a media trip. To Stoanerne Mandl for the first time. So unique and special. In 2021 I did a day of Giro Dolomiti and in 2022 and 2023 I went graveling there again. It is a special environment. A city among the mountains. I made several articles about this city. Choose your favourite 😉
- Why you should cycle The Giro Delle Dolomiti in Bolzano
- Gravel in Bolzano
- Bolzano: your gravel basecamp in the Dolomites
- Cycling route from Bolzano to Klobenstein
Top 5 part 3 - The beauty of the Wadden Islands
The Netherlands is a wonderful cycling country. In recent years, I have ridden my bike through almost every province in the Netherlands. Brabant, Limburg, Gelderland, Drenthe, Friesland, Zeeland, Flevoland. You name it. Almost all of them have their own signature. A beauty of their own. The wadden region, which basically covers the coast of North Holland, Friesland and Groningen, is unique. In 2022, we went cycling through the Wadden region for three days. What I saw was extraordinary. The people we met were warm (and sometimes a bit short-tempered) and friendly. I learned that flat terrain can also be stunning. That you have to work with the conditions. But that this is the beauty of this work.
- Wadden cuisine in one day
- Gravel in the Wadden: looking hard for dirt
- Cycling in the wadden region: from churches to arable fields
Top 5 part 4 - Basque Country
For me, our partnership with Etxeondo is so much more than just a set of clothes. In 2022, we were allowed to head to the Basque Country for a special adventure. 6 days of cycling in the region. Being immersed in everything that makes this brand so special. The family, the staff, the food and drink. Oh yes, lots of food and drink. For vegetarians, the Basque Country is an unfriendly environment. The region is rugged, hilly. The setting is sometimes so special that you forget you are in Spain. But the love for the region, the people and thus the 'Etxe Ondo' is great. In 2023, we went again, as part of our campaign with the Spanish Tourist Office. All for the Tour start. So much great content, we can hardly choose. You do it.
- Basque Country diary part 1
- Basque Country diary part 2: Playing in Haimar's Backyard
- Cycling in the Basque Country part 3: Tolosa - Pamplona
- Basque Country diary part 4: tailwind
- Basque Country diary part 5: land of wind and wine
- Cycling in the Basque Country: that final day
- Round the Basque Country: in the wake of the Grand Depart Euskadi - part 1
- Grand Depart Basque Country: from capital Vitoria-Gasteiz to San Sebastián
- Grand Depart Basque Country - Stage 3 at Haimar's doorstep
Top 5 part 5 - Luxembourg
Get away from it all. That is possible in Luxembourg. Beautiful views, tough climbs. And less than six hours' drive from Utrecht. We went to the Grand Duchy a lot. For various rides. In 2022, it was a combination of a photo shoot as well as an explorer ride. Two days were more than enough to enjoy the 'velosümmer' and the beautiful surroundings. Even with a small fall, it was still stunning. Let's go back soon!
