Russell Crowe: Challenges columnist to bike duel

Russell Crowe: Challenges columnist to bike duel

An Australian newspaper mocked Russell Crowe for smoking and scooping a fatty meal during a recent bike ride. As an act of vengeance the actor sets out to prove that he is still in gladiator shape by challenging the paper's gossip columnist to a duel by bicycle.

Russell Crowe, who appeared slim and trim in recent months, was apparently furious by a column published in a famous newspaper on Tuesday entitled "Smokes and fatty foods the fitness regime for Rusty." The paper mocked Crowe after he was being photographed at time of break during a recent bike ride with his personal trainer to puff on a cigarette and chow down on three tacos and a soft drink.

In a story published on Friday, the paper reported that Crowe's spokesman called up gossip columnist Annette Sharp on the following day and said, "Get on your bike. Russell wants you to go riding with him. Are you ready to die?"

Sharp accepted the challenge and the pair met a dawn for a 12-mile (20-kilometer) ride through the city. Video of the race shows Sharp struggling to keep up while Crowe zooms along unfazed. At one point, Sharp fell off her bike.

Still, Crowe gave Sharp some credit, telling her that she was a better biker than Australian director Baz Luhrmann. He said, "You're twice the man Baz is”.

Russell Crowe's manager Grant Vandenberg had no comment. He said, "I think everything's been said in the paper”.