Career
Born in Haaksbergen, Tankink started his career as a mountainbiker, but in 1999 he became a road rider. He stayed with this team for two years until he and a few others from this team went over to Quick Step. 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.
Tankink joined Rabobank in 2008.
