Robert Gesink: Rider Profile

ROBERT GESINK
Date of birth: 31/05/1986
From: Varsseveld, Netherlands
Team: Rabobank
Previous teams:
abobank Continental (2006); Lowik Meubelen (2005)

Robert Gesink career profile
Robert Gesink is currently one of the most exciting prospects in cycling and one of the most prodigious talents to emerge from the Netherlands for a long time.

Unusually for such a tall rider, Gesink’s talent lies in his superb climbing ability. Turning professional for the Rabonank squad in 2007, Gesink quickly made a name for himself winning the young riders’ classification at the Tour of California and finishing fifth at the Tour of Germany.

2008 was Gesink’s real breakthrough year as he beat Levi Leipheimer to a stage in California, took fourth at Paris-Nice, fourth at Flèche Wallonne, tenth in the Olympic road race and seventh at the Vuelta (incidentally, the Dutchman’s first attempt at a Grand Tour).

Gesink has also worked hard to improve his time trialling and can limit his losses well. At only 22 years of age, the ‘Condor of Varsseveld’ is already being touted as the first Dutch Tour de France winner since Joop Zoetemelk in 1980.

Robert Gesink results
2011
Tour of Oman; stage four
Tour of Oman; stage five ITT

2010
Tour de Suisse; stage six

2009
Tour of California; young riders’ classification
Giro dell'Emilia

2008
Paris-Nice; young riders’ classification
Tour of California; stage three
Tour of California; young riders’ classification

2007
Tour of Germany; young riders’ classification
Tour of Belgium; stage four
Tour of California; young riders’ classification

2006
Settimana Ciclista Lombarda; overall
Settimana Ciclista Lombarda; stage three
Circuito Montanes; overall
Circuito Montanes; stage six

Robert Gesink photos
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Related links
Cycling Weekly's Rider Profiles: Index