Tankink and Gesink react to Rabobank's return: "I was really happy when I got the call last week"

Rabobank has a long history in cycling. From 1996 to 2012, it was a leading sponsor in the WorldTour, and even after that, it continued supporting the women’s team until 2016. The bank also played a crucial role in the development of youth teams and cycling events in the Netherlands. Its impact was enormous, laying the foundation for many Dutch cycling talents who later achieved great success, such as Tom Dumoulin, Bauke Mollema, and Robert Gesink.

"That says a lot about what Rabobank has meant for cycling in the Netherlands over the years. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—it’s a shame that Rabobank never really received the appreciation or recognition for all the good they did for the sport. Of course, people remember the negatives, but in general, I see it like this: Rabobank made it possible for many kids and clubs to start cycling, organize races, and help the sport grow. Thanks to their financial support, we got, in my opinion, the strong generation of riders we have today," Gesink told cycling journalist Daniel Benson.

The 38-year-old former rider is enthusiastic about the bank’s return. Gesink began his professional career in 2006 with Rabobank’s development program and has witnessed every stage of the team’s evolution since then. From the glory days with legends like Óscar Freire, through the difficult period after 2012—when Rabobank withdrew following doping revelations—to the team’s rise back to the top, the Dutchman was always part of it.

"The young generation coming up at the time was punished for things they weren’t part of. So, it’s fantastic that Rabobank is returning to this beautiful sport. Moreover, they’re not just supporting the teams, but also youth programs," says Gesink.

While the Rabobank team became infamous for both positive and negative reasons, Gesink mostly has fond memories. "As a kid, Rabobank was the team we all dreamed of. I have a much warmer feeling about it than a fan from another country might, so I always hoped they would return and do something with the team. I was really happy when I got a call last week asking if I still had pictures of myself wearing a Rabobank jersey as a kid."

Gesink believes that Rabobank’s return should be fully embraced. "It shows that cycling has largely—but certainly not completely—changed. If this helps create more development opportunities and brings stability, then this news is only positive."

And there are certainly opportunities for growth. Cycling in the Netherlands can catch up and re-inspire young children. "I see it with my own kids as well: they are drawn to cell phones and computer games. It’s not natural for them to choose a sport and spend time outside with their friends. It makes sense to make the sport more appealing to kids because the talent is still there—they just don’t know it yet. They need to discover and enjoy the sport," concludes Gesink.

On X, Bram Tankink also responded to Rabobank’s return. "Alright. Back on X for once. Wonderful to see Rabobank returning to Dutch cycling. The youth especially need this. All the top riders of recent years came through Rabo’s development program. Hopefully, in 10 years, we can say the same again," said Tankink, who rode in the peloton with Rabobank on his chest for five years.