Renault was a French professional team that existed from 1978 to 1985. The team was created in 1978 after the Renault auto group purchased the Gitane bicycle manufacturer and became the main sponsor of the Gitane–Campagnolo team, that was directed by former French champion Cyrille Guimard and contained the promising young cyclist Bernard Hinault. From 1978 to 1980 the team was Renault-Gitane but then from 1981 to 1985 the team was Renault-Elf. During this time the team with Bernard Hinault dominated the sport from 1978 to 1983 with four wins in the Tour de France, two wins in the Vuelta a España and two wins in the Giro d'Italia. Guimard signed several American riders which included future Tour de France winner Greg LeMond. LeMond made an immediate impression with his third-place finish behind Hinault in the 1981 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré. Hinault left the team at the end of 1983 after teammate Laurent Fignon took over as the designated team leader after winning the 1983 Tour de France. Greg LeMond added to the team's laurels by winning the 1983 World Championship.
Bernard Hinault 1978-1983
Laurent Fignon 1982-1986
Greg LeMond 1981-1984