The La Vie Claire cycling team was created in 1984 by Bernard Tapie  and directed by Paul Koechli. The team included five-time Tour de France winner Bernard Hinault, and three-time winner, Greg LeMond, as well as Andrew Hampsten and the Canadian Steve Bauer. With Hinault winning the Tour in 1985, and LeMond winning in 1986, plus winning the team trophy both years, La Vie Claire cemented their place in cycling team history. The team formed after Bernard Hinault had a dispute with his former directeur sportif Cyrille Guimard of Renault-Elf-Gitane with whom Hinault had won four editions of the Tour de France.

The La Vie Claire colors (red, yellow, blue and gray) were based on the artwork of Piet Mondrian, giving them a unique appearance in the peloton during the 1980’s Tour de France.

The La Vie Claire jersey, originally designed by Benetton went through at least five major revisions between 1984-1988 as the team partnered different sponsors (Radar, Wonder, Red Zinger, Toshiba, Celestial Seasonings, LOOK). The design (sleeves: yellow and grey; chest: pattern of rectangles in different sizes and colors) is considered one of the most memorable jerseys in cycling.