At the 1984 Olympic Games, Erik Breukink competed with Gert Jakobs, Maarten Ducrot and Jos Alberts in the 100 km Team Pursuit and finish fourth place.

His real breakthrough in the major courses was the 1988 Giro d'Italia, where he debuted with a 2nd place, winning the Gavia Pass stage in a snowstorm.

In the 1989 Tour de France, he showed his time trial skills by winning the prologue, and wearing the yellow jersey for one day.

In 1990, Breukink wanted to focus on the Tour de France, so he switched to the PDM team, that allowed him to do so.

Bad luck followed him however, as just before the start of the 1993 Tour de France, he was hit by a car test riding the new Lotus 110.

In 1997 he ended his professional cycling career, having ridden 11 Tours de France and won 4 stages.

After one year as a Public Relations officer for the Rabobank-team, Breukink started as co-commentator for the NOS, covering the Tour de France.