Russell Crowe challenged an Australian journalist to a 12 mile bike ride after she made fun of his exercise regime.
The Gladiator star was unhappy when he discovered Annette Sharp's less than complimentary article about Crowe's cycling habit in Sydney's Daily Telegraph. The article, which ran under the headline 'Smokes and Fatty Food - The Fitness Regime for Rusty' was accompanied by a mocked up image of him riding a bike while eating and smoking. It came after Crowe was spotted grabbing a snack and a cigarette break during his bike ride.
He challenged the columnist for a bike race through the city, and she accepted. However, she suffered an accident during the race.
Sharp said, "I was sliding exuberantly down the track when, with a thump, I came off the seat and landed painfully on the crossbar. That was surely it - his victory moment. His victory moment, with me sprawled in the dirt. Yet he was gracious, concerned - the perfect gentleman as he rolled up my trousers to check my knee.
"When you make a living throwing stones you expect that one day someone is going to lob one back.
"This was a that day."