The Lion, God, and the Cannibal Junior: Eddy Merckx Bikes Supplied Bicycles to an Iconic Team at the Start of the Century
The team served as a launching pad for some and a final highlight for others. One of the most memorable moments was the 2001 Paris-Roubaix podium, entirely occupied by riders from this iconic squad. For two years, Eddy Merckx Bikes was the official bike supplier of Domo-Farm Frites, contributing to a series of remarkable successes.
Rarely in cycling history have so many legendary names ridden for the same team at the exact same time. It was as if someone had thrown a box of puzzle pieces onto a table, only for them to miraculously fit together. When the new team emerged in early 2001, the press dubbed it a "living Tower of Babel." Patrick Lefevere had moved over from the powerful Mapei squad and set up the entire organization. A new Belgian superteam was born.
Rarely in cycling history have so many legendary names ridden for the same team at the exact same time. It was as if someone had thrown a box of puzzle pieces onto a table, only for them to miraculously fit together. When the new team emerged in early 2001, the press dubbed it a "living Tower of Babel." Patrick Lefevere had moved over from the powerful Mapei squad and set up the entire organization. A new Belgian superteam was born.
Ultimate Dominance
With Johan "The Lion" Museeuw, the team had the dominant Classics rider of the moment. He was flanked by world champion Romans Vainsteins, King of the Mountains Richard Virenque, and loyal lieutenants such as Wilfried Peeters and Servais Knaven. The new sprint king, Robbie McEwen, and the son of the Greatest of All Time, Axel Merckx, were also part of Domo-Farm Frites. The roster included many riders who would later make their mark on cycling: the cycling romantic Bram Tankink, future national coaches Sven Vanthourenhout and Koos Moerenhout, cyclocross legend Mario De Clercq, and the enigmatic Kazakh Andrey Kashechkin.
In its debut year, the team dominated Paris-Roubaix in spectacular fashion. Servais Knaven sealed the team’s dominance with the biggest victory of his career, finishing ahead of Johan Museeuw and Romans Vainsteins. A full podium sweep by one team. The images spread across the cycling world, and the sponsors were thrilled. At the end of the season, Richard Virenque added another major triumph, winning Paris-Tours and securing a second World Cup victory for the squad.
In its debut year, the team dominated Paris-Roubaix in spectacular fashion. Servais Knaven sealed the team’s dominance with the biggest victory of his career, finishing ahead of Johan Museeuw and Romans Vainsteins. A full podium sweep by one team. The images spread across the cycling world, and the sponsors were thrilled. At the end of the season, Richard Virenque added another major triumph, winning Paris-Tours and securing a second World Cup victory for the squad.
God and the Godfather
After a promising debut season, 2002 was shaping up to be a grand cru year. Future photographer Leon Van Bon joined the ranks, along with Nick Nuyens and, most notably, Frank Vandenbroucke. After an unsuccessful stint with Lampre-Daikin, "God" returned home to Belgium. True to his career’s unpredictable nature, it became a season of highs and lows. God on the Cannibal’s bikes—it was poetic and unforgettable.
The team of "The Godfather" Lefevere once again conquered Paris-Roubaix that year, with Johan Museeuw triumphing in the Hell of the North. He also added the HEW Cyclassics to his already illustrious palmarès. The prodigal son, Richard Virenque, solidified his comeback by winning a stage in the Tour de France, reclaiming his status as France’s beloved cycling star.
After two successful seasons, Lefevere merged Domo-Farm Frites with his former love, Mapei. Quick Step-Davitamon became the new gold standard in Classic cycling. The collaboration with Eddy Merckx Bikes came to an end but was later revived in 2010 and 2011. In this way, our brand remains an integral part of Belgian cycling heritage—a mark of quality that continues today through Team Flanders-Baloise.
Photos: Photo News
The team of "The Godfather" Lefevere once again conquered Paris-Roubaix that year, with Johan Museeuw triumphing in the Hell of the North. He also added the HEW Cyclassics to his already illustrious palmarès. The prodigal son, Richard Virenque, solidified his comeback by winning a stage in the Tour de France, reclaiming his status as France’s beloved cycling star.
After two successful seasons, Lefevere merged Domo-Farm Frites with his former love, Mapei. Quick Step-Davitamon became the new gold standard in Classic cycling. The collaboration with Eddy Merckx Bikes came to an end but was later revived in 2010 and 2011. In this way, our brand remains an integral part of Belgian cycling heritage—a mark of quality that continues today through Team Flanders-Baloise.
Photos: Photo News
