Crowe Challenges Journalist to Bike Duel

Russell Crowe challenged an Australian journalist to a cycling duel after the writer ridiculed his fitness habits.

Crowe was apparently not pleased when he read a column published in Sydney's The Daily Telegraph on Tuesday, entitled "Smokes and fatty foods the fitness regime for Rusty."

The article mocked Crowe after he was photographed pausing during a recent bike ride with his personal trainer when the star puffed a cigarette and consumed a plate full of tacos.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Crowe challenged the columnist, Annette Sharp, to a cycle challenge.

Crowe's spokesperson reportedly called Sharp and said, "Get on your bike. Russell wants you to go riding with him. Are you ready to die?"

Sharp accepted the challenge and met with Crowe for a 12-mile cycle ride through Sydney.

In a video, the journalist is seen struggling to keep up with Crowe and at one point even falls off her bike. But Crowe gives her credit, saying she is "twice the man Baz (Luhrmann) is."