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Broomwagon CC: Geneva's women cycling club

What started as a simple idea after a cycling trip to Melbourne has grown into one of Geneva's most vibrant cycling communities. Founded in 2024, Broom Wagon Women's Cycling was created to give women in and around Geneva a welcoming space to ride, connect and build confidence on the bike.

From just eight riders on a spring evening loop around Geneva to a thriving association of more than 250 women, Broom Wagon has become much more than a cycling club. It is a community built on inclusivity, friendship and a shared love of riding. Whether members are joining their first-ever group ride, learning basic bike mechanics, training for a granfondo or competing at an elite level, everyone has a place in the peloton.

True to its name, inspired by the Tour de France's "broom wagon" that sweeps up riders at the back of the race, Broom Wagon believes no one should be left behind. With a strong no-drop ethos, dedicated volunteers and a diverse membership reflecting Geneva's international spirit, the club continues to make cycling more accessible, social and enjoyable for women across the region.

How did the club begin, and how has it grown over the years?

Broom Wagon Women’s Cycling began during a trip down under to Melbourne in March 2024, when one of our founders, Jo, discovered several women-only group rides. Riding with other women made settling into a new place feel less intimidating. And it was a great way to meet new people. At the time, there weren't really any regular rides for women in Geneva. So, upon returning up over, Jo reached out to a few friends and asked if anyone would be interested in starting some weekly women-only rides. Everyone said yes and the group chat was made.

In April 2024, eight women cycled a 30km loop around Geneva after work. Before we could even set off there was a flat tire that needed fixing. Everyone loved finding other women to ride with and said they'd be back the following week.

Every Wednesday through summer 2024, we rode together after work, and the group grew as members brought friends and colleagues along. Now, two years later, we're an association with over 250 women in our WhatsApp group, more than 70 regular riders, and three groups of different speeds heading out every Wednesday during the summer.

What makes your club unique compared to others in your region?

At the time Broom Wagon launched, there weren't any regular rides for women around Geneva. We wanted to fill that gap and more, so there’s something for all women and every kind of rider. Today we offer everything from no-drop social rides to interval training, mechanics workshops, velodrome sessions, and special events. 

What does your club name or identity represent to you?

The name Broom Wagon is playful. Like the Tour de France's voiture balai, we never leave anyone behind. There's always a no-drop group on our social rides. 

How would you describe the spirit or personality of your members?

We're a diverse group of women, just like the city we call home. Different nationalities, different languages, but one shared love of cycling. Our riders range from women on their first road bikes and first timers (shoutout to the queen who borrowed a friend's bike just to join us!) to grandfondo winners and elite-level racers. At the end of the day, our goal is simply to get more women into cycling, whether that means joining their very first group ride or racing at the highest levels of the sport.

What makes being part of your club special? 

We've found some of our closest friends through this group, something that can be surprisingly hard to do in an international city like Geneva where a lot of people come and go. What makes Broom Wagon really special is the community behind it, especially the people who give up their time to make our rides and events a success.

How do you keep such a large community connected?

A lot of people contribute their time to making our community what it is. We are 100% volunteer run - with 12 ride leaders, a social media manager, a photographer and a partnerships coordinator - and without them, we'd be nowhere. Our WhatsApp group, Instagram and Strava page keep everyone in the loop between rides, and over the winter the community keeps active with Zwift rides, evening events (last year’s highlight was our ride leader G’s presentation on bike packing solo across the Americas), bike mechanics workshops and velodrome sessions.

How do you welcome new members or riders into the group?

Our no-drop social rides mean no one ever gets left behind. It's a low-pressure way to show up for the first time. We also always ask each rider to introduce themselves and answer an ice breaker question such as… “if you were an animal what animal would you be”.

How do you support women getting into cycling as a women's cycling club?

We meet riders exactly where they are. Whether someone has never done a group ride before or is training for a granfondo, there's a place for them at Broom Wagon. Beyond the rides themselves, we run mechanics workshops so women feel confident handling their own bikes, and our different speed groups mean no one feels out of their depth on the road.

Club ambitions

What kinds of events or challenges does the club take part in?

We have some exciting events in the pipeline to celebrate the Grand Départ of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift coming to Geneva this year. 

What keeps your members motivated to ride and stay involved?

The community is the biggest draw. Geneva is a transient city, and Broom Wagon has become a real anchor for a lot of women here. Add in world-class cycling on the doorstep, from Mont Salève to the vineyards along the lake, and it's not hard to stay motivated.

What's next for the club any big plans or upcoming milestones?

In 2026 we'll be heading into our third season together of summer riding. We're excited to keep growing our Wednesday rides and welcome even more women from Geneva. We're also thrilled that the Grand Départ of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is coming to our city this year, with some exciting events in the pipeline to celebrate and cheer on the women's pro peloton from our doorstep.

Lifestyle & Rituals

What's your go-to club route or favourite weekend ride?

A classic Broom Wagon after-work ride heads out from Geneva's iconic Jet d'Eau and into the countryside along the lake's left bank. It's a perfect loop for a social evening ride, usually between 30 to 50km, taking in quiet Swiss roads, pristine tarmac, vineyards, lake views and even Mont Blanc on a clear day.

For the weekend, one of our highlights takes you through the Vallée Verte, just across the border in the French Pre-Alps. It's a beautifully quiet valley surrounded by no fewer than ten cols, with plenty of route variety depending on whether you opt for the gentler Col du Saxel or the punchier Col du Feu. The Vallée Verte featured on Stage 14 of the 2023 Tour de France, proof that we're onto something special!

Where does everyone stop for post-ride coffee or cake?

If you're doing the lake loop in the morning, we really recommend stopping at My Little Cup, one of the best coffee spots in Geneva. On the Vallée Verte route, a stop for a pastry at Fournil Lullinois is a must, with it being one of the best bakeries in the French Alps, and the staff warmly welcome cyclists. Finally, if you fancy a great brunch on the way back to Geneva, get yourself to Brunchénous is the one.

If someone joined your club tomorrow, what kind of experience would they have?

We hope they’ll feel welcome from the moment they arrive. Our Wednesday rides set off staggered across different speed groups, so there's no pressure to keep up with anyone. The no-drop policy means no one ends up alone, and by the end of the ride, especially if there's a lake swim and sunset drink involved, they're probably already planning to come back next week.

Club Classic

Route Name: Geneva lakeside evening ride 

Distance: 40km

Elevation: 300m

Highlights: lake views, Mont Blanc on a sunny day and vineyards everywhere

What kind of route is it: This 41km loop sets off from Geneva's iconic Jet d'Eau and winds up through Cologny, one of the most beautiful villages above the lake. The roads are quiet, the tarmac is smooth, and the return leg brings you back along the shore with Mont Blanc sitting on the horizon on a clear day.

Explore the GPx Route here

Photography:

Loic Hugentobler

Stax Sports

Shan Karawita (@shankareira)

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