Robert Gesink to lead Team Rabobank at the 2012 version of theTour of California
After a disappointing start to its 2012 season, Team Katusha is now looking ahead at Robert Gesink to help it with a much required victory at the Tour of California.
The Dutch won the young rider’s jersey during the 2007, 2008 and 2009 versions of the race and is considered as one of the best riders of the Californian race.
Robert missed out during the past two versions of the event while Peter Sagan and Tejay van Garderen took his place.
The duo claimed the young rider’s award at the 2010 and 2011 editions of the event.
The 25-year-old is happy in his new role and will fly to California in May along with a strong Dutch squad.
He briefed, "It is a beautiful and challenging course, big crowds, fun and enthusiastic people, who make for a very special atmosphere”.
“I'm very happy. It is an excellent choice for me personally and also for the sponsor's US interests".
Gesink will be accompanied by Maarten Tjallingii, Laurens Ten Dam and Bram Tankink for the climbs while Luis Leon Sanchez, Michael Matthews and Graeme Brown will target the flat stages with Wilco Kelderman as their young rider.
Tour of California started back in 2006 with Floyd Landis as the first winner of the race.
Levi Leipheimer holds the record of winning it for a maximum number of 3 times.
Chris Horner succeeded during the most recent version of the race with Levi Leipheimer and Tom Danielson finishing at the second and the third positions.
The 2012 version of the Amgen Tour of California is scheduled from May 13-20 and Robert is optimistic to climb podium during the 8-day race.
He cited, “The Tour of California is gaining status and is a little harder every year. It has become a really tough race. It's a nice to combine the race with pleasure”.
“I like to drive in North America and have vacationed there. I feel personally and as a cyclist very well at home".
Gesink has not registered any wins in the current season and is positive to open his 2012 winning account at the American contest.
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