The 7-Eleven Cycling Team, founded in 1981 under Jim Ochowicz and spanning 10 years. While not actually the first professional cycling in the U.S. the 7-Eleven team was responsible to a large extent for an increase in bike racing interest in the U.S. In its lifespan, the team claimed a win in the Giro d'Italia (Tour of Italy), a handful of World Championship medals, and US Championship titles, as well as numerous Tour de France stage wins. It was the second U.S. cycling team to ride in the Giro d'Italia (1985) (Gianni Motta team was the first in 1984) and the Tour de France (1986). The 7-Eleven Cycling Team was succeeded in 1991 by the Motorola Cycling Team, which existed until 1996.

Of the seven men on the inaugural 7-Eleven-Schwinn team racing in 1981, Eric Heiden was the best known. The other Americans were Jeff Bradley, Greg Demgen, Bradley Davies, Tom Schuler, Danny Van Haute and Roger Young. They were joined by Canadian pro Ron Hayman.

Schwinn dropped out as the team's co-sponsor for the 1982 season, but 7-Eleven stepped up its sponsorship resulting in the adding of Davis Phinney, Ron Kiefel, and Canadian Alex Stieda to the roster.


[edit] Notable 7-Eleven and Motorola Members
Raúl Alcalá
Phil Anderson
Frankie Andreu
Lance Armstrong
Steve Bauer
Chris Carmichael
Thomas Craven
Alexi Grewal
Andy Hampsten
Eric Heiden
George Hincapie
Dag-Otto Lauritzen
Davis Phinney
Jeff Pierce
Bob Roll
Doug Shapiro
Alex Stieda
John Tomac
Sean Yates
Brian Walton