Sheryl Crow told feds of Lance Armstrong’s blood procedures, according to new book

Sheryl Crow told federal investigators about Lance Armstrong's blood transfusions in exchange for immunity from federal prosecution, according to a new book on Armstrong's doping conspiracy.

"Wheelmen: Lance Armstrong, the Tour de France and the Greatest Sports Conspiracy Ever," the book by Wall Street Journal reporters Reed Albergotti and Vanessa O'Connell, details Armstrong's far-reaching doping conspiracy, one which would eventually cost him his seven Tour de France victories and numerous other honors. Throughout the conspiracy, Armstrong's friends and confidants helped preserve his secrets.

Crow and Armstrong briefly dated in the mid-2000s, a time when Armstrong was stacking up impressive wins while also secretly doping. At one point, the book contends, Crow accompanied Armstrong to Belgium in 2004 for a blood transfusion to help increase the number of red blood cells in his body. Armstrong frequently combined transfusions and banned substances to give himself every possible advantage.

"Rather than try to hide the transfusion from her, Armstrong was completely open about it," the authors write, per the New York Daily News. "He trusted that Crow would have no desire to tell the press or anyone else about the team's doping program. He explained that it was simply part of the sport, that all cyclists were doing the same thing."

According to the book, Crow turned informant after the Food and Drug Administration's criminal investigation division offered her immunity from criminal prosecution for her testimony. Criminal charges have been dropped, but the Justice Department continues to investigate Armstrong under the False Claims Act, as the U.S. Postal Service paid millions to sponsor Armstrong and his teams while the doping conspiracy was in place.

"Wheelmen" is scheduled for publication on October 15.