Alberto takes on Lance in Fife mountain stage

It was billed as the big event of the week in Fife. Ironman would be 'domestique' and explode with power to lead Bigman up the Aberdour Ascent until the last few hundred yards leaving him to blast past up the climb and set a new personal record.

In the end it was more like a damp squib than an explosion. After two hundred yards, Bigman demanded more speed, to which the Ironman responded 'on you go'! When they re-grouped at the top of the ascent, Ironman was already re-writing history with an enquiry as to whether his shouts of encouragement had aided Bigman. A lack of oxygen had meant that Ironman had recounted it as 'Gon yersel, Bigman'.

It sounded like a repeat of the Alberto vs Lance battle of this year's tour. Who was to be on the podium tonight. Having agreed to be a domestique, after 200 yards the scene was changing. He confessed to thinking at one point he might catch up with the Bigman.

Images flashed through the head of Bigman. Picture the scene, Armstrong intent on a stage win on Alpe d'Huez in 2001. His domestique is ready and poised to help climb the infamous 21 hairpin bends. The scene is set. They approach the climb after having cycled 100 miles. The domestique is in front of Lance at the start of the climb. After the first bend, bend 21, the domestique shouts 'gon yersel Bigman'. I don't think so .

The signs were not good from the start when Ironman tucked in to draft behind Bigman along the straight stretch before arriving at the climb.

Perhaps it was the aura of the Ironman, perhaps it was the competitve spirit, or perhaps it was an explosive start by the Ironman. What ever the reason, Bigman has set a new personal best at 3 minutes and 51 seconds. The first time he has beaten 4 minutes ................. and there is more gas in the tank.

He has committed to beating that record before the end of the season however no new taregt has been publicised. You will hear it in an exclusive here first!

PS And teh Ironman also set a new PB at 4:13 helping' the Bigman. But then, that happens every year in the Tour!