Lance Armstrong has reached a $5 million dollar settlement with the American federal government in a whistle-blower lawsuit that could have sought $100 million in damages from the disgraced former cyclist.

The deal announced today came as the two sides prepared for a trial that was scheduled to start in Washington on May 7.

The settlement clears Armstrong of the most damaging legal issues still facing him since he was stripped of his record seven tour de France titles after admitting to using performance-enhancing drugs throughout much of his career.

The 46-year-old subsequently lost all his major sponsors and was forced to pay more than $20 million in damages and settlements in a series of lawsuits.

He is still believed to be worth millions based on a vast investment portfolio and homes in Austin, Texas, and Aspen, Colorado.