In "Wheelmen," journalists Reed Albergotti and Vanessa O'Connell unravel the complex web of deceit that powered Lance Armstrong to the pinnacle of cycling, transforming him from a survivor of cancer to a seven-time Tour de France champion. This meticulously researched narrative delves beyond Armstrong's confession of doping, exploring the intricate network of money, power, and cutting-edge science that propelled the sport of cycling into a global phenomenon. At the heart of the scandal, a cast of enablers, from team owners to sponsors, all of whom played pivotal roles in constructing one of the most sophisticated doping schemes in sports history, comes under scrutiny. The book not only chronicles Armstrong's rise and fall but also the cultural shift in cycling, from an obscure sport to a luxury pastime for the world's elite. Beyond the scandal, "Wheelmen" exposes the transformation of American cycling, led by figures such as Thom Weisel, who reshaped the sport's landscape to ensure Armstrong's dominance. The narrative is a gripping exploration of ambition unchecked, where innovation in cheating became as much a part of the race as the cyclists themselves. Albergotti and O'Connell's account is a definitive look at how Armstrong's myth was constructed and the colossal impact his deceit had not just on cycling, but on the notion of heroism itself. Through their investigative prowess, "Wheelmen" offers a riveting, unsettling account of the greatest conspiracy in the history of sports, shedding light on the dark corners of ambition and the human inclination to idolize, no matter the cost.