It was founded by Patrick Lefevere and the bulk of the Belgian riders from the Mapei team, including Johan Museeuw.

In its first year former Mapei riders Johan Museeuw, his super-domestique Wilfried Peeters, American Fred Rodriguez, and Axel Merckx.

In addition, they enrolled world champion Romāns Vainšteins, sprinter Robbie McEwen, classics specialist Servais Knaven, and Frenchman Richard Virenque who just returned from doping suspension.

The next year brought classics specialist Frank Vandenbroucke, and youngsters Nick Nuyens and Johan Vansummeren.

Coming back from suspension, Richard Virenque won the 2001 Paris–Tours from a long two-man breakaway that many thought was hopeless.