ROBERT GESINK

Date of birth: 31/05/1986

From: Varsseveld, Netherlands

Team: Belkin

Previous teams: Rabobank Continental (2006); Lowik Meubelen (2005)

Robert Gesink career profile

Robert Gesink talent lies in his climbing ability - an usual trait for a man hailing from the flatlands of the Netherlands.

Turning professional for the Rabobank 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 worked hard to improve his time trialling and the ‘Condor of Varsseveld’ was touted as a likely candidate to become the first Dutch Tour de France winner since Joop Zoetemelk in 1980.

Despite a series of strong performances in stage races - including overall wins in the Tour of Oman and Tour of California - to date, Gesink has failed to appear on the top step of a Grand Tour podium. His best Grand Tour result was fifth overall in the 2010 Tour.

In April 2014, Gesink announced he would take a break from professional riding due to abnormal heart rhythm.

Robert Gesink results
2013

Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec

2012

Tour of California; stage seven

Tour of California; overall

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

Related links

Cycling Weekly's Rider Profiles: Index

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