CROW's Riding High On LANCE

(From The Hartford Courant -- By Pat Seremet)

If SHERYL CROW wrote a song about LANCE ARMSTRONG, the title would be simple and to the point -- "Make 'em suffer."

"His little boy (LUKE) always says, 'Make 'em suffer daddy,' so it definitely would incorporate that phrase," Crow said in an interview in MONTPELLIER, FRANCE.

The 43-year-old rocker is on her second TOUR DE FRANCE, and is relishing seeing boyfriend Armstrong power his way to what could be his seventh straight win.

"It's one of the most inspiring events I've been involved in," said Crow. "When you see the spirit of these guys, it's crazy the lengths these riders go to. You know it's got to be painful, but their heart drives them to be great. I love that seeking of greatness."

Despite rising early, spending hours on empty highways, smiling sweetly for countless fans and posing patiently for endless photos, Crow has found time to work on her new album, WILDFLOWER, which is due for release in September.

"I didn't bring my guitar, because I already have more stuff than all the riders," she joked. "I am working a lot during the day sequencing the record and picking mixes, videos. Now the busy work, it's not the creative fun stuff."

THE TOUR DE FRANCE is a form of chaos she prefers.

"Cycling is like rock festivals like GLASTONBURY," said Crow. "A lot of bands and a lot of fans. They may be into one band but they'll stay and get into other bands. It's similar in bike racing, you have all these teams showing up and all these invested fans who are into the spirit of the event. A very community-feeling experience."