The Rabobank cycling team was founded in 1996, succeeding Novell, and was founded as part of the so-called "Rabobank Cycling Plan" in which not only the professional team plays a role, but also the development of new talents. The team was founded by sports director Jan Raas. He was looking for a new main sponsor after his team had run out of money in 1995. The bank and Raas signed an agreement in mid-1995. Team leaders became Theo de Rooij and assistants Joop Zoetemelk and Adri van Houwelingen.