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Born:
December 31, 1983
Hometown: Bend, Oregon
Residence: Bend, Oregon
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 155 lbs
Turned pro: 2005
Although his racing resume stretches back only to 2003, Kodakgallery.com/Sierra
Nevada’s David Robinson is poised for a breakout year as one
of the team’s top young talents.
David began riding in earnest after graduating early from high school
in his hometown of Bend, Oregon, and quickly caught the eye of fellow
Bend resident Chris Horner, who at the time was dominating North American
racing and has since moved on to Europe and the Tour de France.
After a season of regional racing in 2003, David earned a spot on
the powerhouse Broadmark Capital amateur team for 2004, giving him
an opportunity to travel to National Racing Calendar events across
the country.
In August of that year, David placed fourth in the US U-23 National
Championships after spending nearly 110 miles of the 120-mile race
in the winning breakaway. Almost as soon as David stepped down from
the podium, TIAA-CREF director Jonathan Vaughters offered him a spot
on the nation’s premier development team, which was to turn
pro the following year.
After setting up shop near Vaughters and the team’s infrastructure
in Boulder, Colorado, David began his 2005 campaign with a shock to
the system, as he simultaneously notched his first race as a pro,
his first internationally rated stage race, and his first race in
Europe by competing in the Tour of Normandy in March.
Over the rest of the season, David shuttled back and forth between
Europe and the U.S., racing in France, Ireland, and Spain while also
taking part in marquee domestic races like the Tour de Georgia and
the San Francisco Grand Prix.
For 2006, David – as advised by Horner – felt that a chance
to race in support of older, more experienced riders would enhance
his development. “I had an entirely positive experience at TIAA-CREF,”
David says, “but this is a chance to contribute to a team with
teammates who I can really learn from.”
Of his career goals in the sport, David says, “When I started
racing, it was just an opportunity to travel. Now, I’d like
to have success at the ProTour level in Europe. I’ve been a
support rider up to this point, and I want to perfect that role.” |
