Russell Crowe takes gossip columnist for a ‘bike’ ride

LONDON - Russell Crowe seemed to have settled scores with an Australian newspaper columnist who mocked him for smoking and eating fatty meal - by challenging her to a duel on a bike.

Journalist Annette Sharp ran a story in Sydney’s Daily Telegraph entitled: “Smokes and fatty foods - the fitness regime for Rusty” after the actor was spotted smoking a cigarette and having three tacos and a soft drink.

The article was said to have annoyed the Oscar winner, who allegedly got his spokesman to call up Sharp, who accepted the challenge.

The two reportedly met at dawn for a 12-mile ride through the city, that saw Crowe zooming to victory and leaving Sharp falling off her bike at one point.

The scribe revealed, the star, in place of boasting, was “gracious, concerned - the perfect gentleman as he rolled up my trousers to check on my knee”. (ANI)