sentences:  In 2000 he became Dutch champion of the espoirs which resulted in a professional contract for 2001 at .He stayed with this team for two years until he and a few others from this team went over to .Tankink usually acted as a helper in this team, hardly ever racing for his own success; but he was so much appreciated that the team allowed him to participate in the 2005 Tour de France which he finished in good form.