Broomwagon report: Swissneyland

Everyone would like to use it on cycling holidays: a broom wagon, or broom wagon. In the cycling peloton, it is a household word. The last of the group, the broom wagon rides behind it. In French, it is very nicely called 'Voiture Balai'. In the Tour de France, this vehicle actually drives with an old-fashioned broom attached to it. Funnily enough, a real broom wagon also drives behind it, to clean up the dirt a bit.

Many in cycling use the term 'bromwagon' for their business. The best-known in the Netherlands is Robert Gesink, who runs his coffee cart 'Broomwagon' mentions. Outside the Netherlands, Stefano Nucera is probably the best known. His podcast 'The Broomwagon' is listened to a lot and he often has interesting guests. What's even more fun: Stefano is something of a cycling nomad, who seems to settle down somewhere new almost every 3 years. Originally, he comes from Calabria, the nose of the Italian boot. With stopovers in Emilia Romagna, Rome, Berlin and now Zurich, he has a wealth of cycling stories. We took the time to sit down with him and pick some cool tips from his brain. Part 1: Broomwagon report: Swissneyland. With cool tips for cycling in Switzerland.

Cycling is life

Stefano is between boxes when we speak to him. Not only is he just moving house, he is also about to become a father. Exciting stuff, as he calls it himself, but therefore also a hectic time. Still, he has time for an extended chat, because that is also his trademark. As he puts it himself: 'I really am a natterer. What I like: meeting new people and having good conversations. It's so cool to meet new people.'

He therefore has three things in his life (cycling is the overarching whole) that are important:

1. Talking to people to promote inclusiveness
2. Sustainable living: Stefano looks at ways to have as little impact on nature and people as possible.
3. Looking for adventure: I am a doer and am not afraid to explore new things.

The bicycle as accidental constant

The story of how Stefano got hooked on cycling is completely different from what you might expect. Italians almost all seem crazy about cycling. I also expected him to have been idolised by big names like Pantani, Bugno, Chiapucci and others from an early age. Nothing could be further from the truth. He was asked by a friend after his master's degree, totally unfit, if he would join him on a bikepacking trip to Albania. Observing point 3 of his life ideals, he immediately said 'yes'. One problem: did he not have a bicycle! That could be arranged, it was an absolute challenge, but since then the bike has been a casual constant.

It's all about the people

As already evident from the beginning of our conversation: Stefano actually thinks people are more important than the environment itself. For us, of course, that's a separate thing to write down, but it's true somewhere. Every environment gets better when you ride it with friends. That said: views of a beautiful alpine meadow are, as far as we are concerned, just a little more insane than a ride on the dykes and roads of Flevoland.

Gravel is an attitude

That Stefano ended up in the gravel scene is almost a one-two punch. In his words: it's an attitude (or rather a lifestyle). In terms of approach, gravel is much more laid-back than the road bike world. There, it is quickly all about watts, fastest bike and more of that. Gravel fits better. Stefano says himself: I just want to be outside, close to nature. Discovery is a constant for me. There is always something new to see.

Swissneyland

After a nice tour of Europe, Stefano has settled down in Switzerland. As we ask him for great tips, his eyes almost light up: 'Switzerland is insane. You turn the corner and there's something wonderful that you haven't seen before'. They call it Swissneyland for a reason.

If you really want to enjoy Swiss beauty, you have countless options. What strikes us: Stefano actually always links beautiful environments to events. That's where 'meeting new people' comes in again.

'Every year I do the famous Three Passes myself: Nufenen, Gotthard and Furkapas'. That is a rite de passage for me. I can also be short on something:

• Furka pass: love it. What an insane climb
• Nufenen: Hate it. What is beautiful somewhere, in all its ugliness, is the Soviet-like building on top. The best part is actually the descent to Airolo. There you grab an espresso (you wouldn't guess) and then continue
• Tremola/Gotthard: Fantastic, but tough

It is best to have your basecamp in Andermatt to have, in the canton of Uri. I always stay there in a place that is very remote. It really is a kind of retreat for me. Fantastic. Andermatt is not only a perfect basecamp, but you can also do fantastic graveling there. Truly a 'hidden gem'.

There's more to explore

Another tip we had not heard before namely an event on the border of Switzerland and France. As Stefano says: 'Grave fans, as well as road cyclists, can pay tribute to the men and women who tried to hold out against German supremacy in WWII. The event, La Resistance, is a tribute. I love events like this. There's a story to that'.

Swissneyland next level

'Many will also be familiar with the Klausenpass. What an insane climb that is'. I really think that is such a beautiful climb.

A few more gems

Stefano continues: 'You know me pretty well now, I really love a story. For example, I like the Pragelpass from Schwyz. The Pragelpass connects two cantons. On one side there is Schwyz and on the other side Glarners. These two are opposite each other in orientation and it seems that this road has therefore lagged a bit behind in terms of development. Quite a few battles were also fought here (Neutrality does not mean that there was no fighting). For instance, the Russians were pushed back here by Napoleon Bonaparte.

Eventually, you can then take the Klöntaler lake to Glarus. That's a really nice one.

Davos

This spa town in Graubunden has a number of beautiful climbs where you can do some really great riding. Among others, the Fluela Pass and the Albula Pass are actually rides not to be missed.

In the sequel: part 2!