“When you make a living throwing stones, you expect that one day someone is going to lob one back. This was that day,” said Australian newspaper columnist Annette Sharp after she made fun of Crowe for smoking after exercising. In response, the actor (Crowe) challenged the writer (Sharp) to a race.
It all started with a bike ride. One day, Crowe was out cycling with his personal trainer. After a strenuous workout, they stopped for a rest. During the break, Crowe smoked a cigarette, ate some tacos and drank a soft drink. Reporters were there and took photos. Later, Ms Sharp wrote up a story for Sydney’s Daily Telegraph under the headline, “Smokes and fatty foods – the fitness regime for Rusty!” Another day, another story, they thought. But the next day, Sharp received a phone call from Crowe’s spokesman. “Get on your bike, Anette,” he said. “Russell wants you to go riding with him. Are you ready to die?”