[2] Renault–Elf–Gitane which was directed by former French cycling champion Cyrille Guimard had dominated the Tour de France between 1978 and 1984.

Marie wore the yellow jersey as leader of the general classification for several days as the team also won the Team time trial of that year's Tour but the best for the general classification was the 10th place of French Champion Yvon Madiot.

The following year, the team achieved success with Charly Mottet who won the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré stage race and then wore the yellow jersey as leader of the general classification for several days in the 1987 Tour de France and finished fourth overall.

Mottet also won the Individual time trial classic at the end of the season, the Grand Prix des Nations.

In 1988, Fignon showed good form to win the Milan–San Remo Classic as well as the stage race the Tour de l'Avenir while Mottet won the Giro di Lombardia.