[5] Ciolek was able to overcome seasoned sprinters Erik Zabel and Robert Förster without help from any teammates, ending the twelve-year domination of T-Mobile.
[8] In 2006, Ciolek completed his training at the Ford Motor Company and was able to turn professional and devote his career to cycling.
[9] Through the season, he rode strongly and secured a number of high placings in important races to prove he could challenge, and beat, the strongest sprinters in UCI ProTour teams.
Ciolek had an excellent second placing at the Rund um den Henninger Turm, where he once again beat Erik Zabel.
[15] In his first year with the team, Ciolek won Milan–San Remo, in a time of 5 hours, 37 minutes and 20 seconds, holding off favourites Peter Sagan (Cannondale) and Fabian Cancellara (RadioShack–Leopard) in the sprint finish.