Photographer Paul Phillips captures the record-breaking pro race at Challenge Roth 2016.
With a time of 7:35:39, Jan Frodeno cements his world record for fastest iron-distance triathlon.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!
Download the app.
It was a history-making day in Germany at Challenge Roth 2016 as Jan Frodeno of Germany annihilated the world record for the fastest iron-distance triathlon. In the women’s race, Daniela Ryf delivered a strong performance to take the win.
At 6:30 sharp, all pros and some of the top age group athletes have the cannon and crowds start them on their way.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
One of the most spectacular starts in all of triathlon takes place at Challenge Roth, where hot air balloons line the Rothsee.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Jan Frodeno swims past the exit for the final small loop, almost 1 minute ahead of the chase group.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Jan Frodeno exits the water a minute in the lead.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Daniela Ryf outswims most of the men’s pro field.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Brit Laura Biddall powers her way to a great race and an eventual 4th place finish.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Early in the ride, Daniela Ryf sets a blistering pace.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Returning champion Yvonne Van Vlerken is focused and ready to roll for the day.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Danish Pro Michelle Vesterby struggles for 5 minutes with a mechanical issue.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
2015 second place finisher Carrie Lester had a strong day to take the same podium position in 2016.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Joe Skipper sails through the rolling Bavarian countryside.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Tyler Butterfield was in the chase group most of the ride.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Nick Kastelien from Australia, a training partner of Jan Frodeno was 2nd out of the water and had a very strong swim and bike.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
TV and still photographers wait their turn to pull ahead and get their shots of Frodeno. To avoid a drafting advantage, motos and cars were banned from entering a 25-meter radius around pro athletes.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Per Bittner is chasing hard.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
An estimated 260,000 spectators lined the course.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Famed Solarberg Hill is one of the most notorious sections of the Challenge Roth bike course – both for its difficulty and its crowd support.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
As Daniela Ryf approaches Solaraberg Hill, the crowd goes wild.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Laura Siddall takes in the excitement and energy of 50,000 people cheering on the hill.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Jan storms out of T2 with a comfortable lead and the world record in his sights.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Jan does a quick loop through the village of Schwand on the run course.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Though Nils Frommold had little hope of running down Frodeno for first, he fought hard for a remaining spot on the podium.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Per Bittner on the run.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Jan Raphael on the run course.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Daniela Ryf escorted through the crowds.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
The reigning world champion won Challenge Roth last Sunday.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
With a time of 7:35:39, Jan Frodeno cements his world record for fastest iron-distance triathlon.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
With a time of 7:35:39, Jan Frodeno cements his world record for fastest iron-distance triathlon.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
The men’s podium: Jan Frodeno, Joe Skipper and Nils Frommold.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Champagne for all!
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Dancing to the finish, Daniela has energy to spare and the 3rd fastest women’s iron-distance time in history.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Dancing to the finish, Daniela has energy to spare and the 3rd fastest women’s iron-distance time in history.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Wellington was on hand to welcome Ryf to the finish line in 2016. Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
More Champagne for the podium!
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
The women’s podium: Daniela Ryf, Carrie Lester and Yvonne Van Vlerken.
Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto
Jan Frodeno Reflects on His Final Ironman World Championship
Immediately after finishing 24th place at his final Ironman World Championships, the Olympic medalist (and three-time IMWC winner) explains what his race in Nice meant to him.
