2016 Challenge Roth Pro Race

Photographer Paul Phillips captures the record-breaking pro race at Challenge Roth 2016.

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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.

Read the full race recap here.

Photos: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @Compimagephoto

Challenge — 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

Challenge — 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

Challenge — 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

Challenge — Jan Frodeno exits the water a minute in the lead. Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Challenge — Daniela Ryf outswims most of the men’s pro field. Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Challenge — Brit Laura Biddall powers her way to a great race and an eventual 4th place finish. Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Challenge — Early in the ride, Daniela Ryf sets a blistering pace. Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Challenge — Returning champion Yvonne Van Vlerken is focused and ready to roll for the day. Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Challenge — Danish Pro Michelle Vesterby struggles for 5 minutes with a mechanical issue. Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Challenge — 2015 second place finisher Carrie Lester had a strong day to take the same podium position in 2016. Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Challenge — Joe Skipper sails through the rolling Bavarian countryside. Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Tyler — Tyler Butterfield was in the chase group most of the ride. Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Challenge — 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

Challenge — 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

Challenge — Per Bittner is chasing hard. Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Challenge — An estimated 260,000 spectators lined the course. Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Challenge — 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

Challenge — As Daniela Ryf approaches Solaraberg Hill, the crowd goes wild. Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Challenge — Laura Siddall takes in the excitement and energy of 50,000 people cheering on the hill. Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Challenge — Jan storms out of T2 with a comfortable lead and the world record in his sights. Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Challenge — Jan does a quick loop through the village of Schwand on the run course. Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Challenge — Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Challenge — 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

Challenge — Per Bittner on the run. Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Challenge — Jan Raphael on the run course. Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Challenge — Daniela Ryf escorted through the crowds. Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Challenge — The reigning world champion won Challenge Roth last Sunday. Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Challenge — With a time of 7:35:39, Jan Frodeno cements his world record for fastest iron-distance triathlon. Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Challenge — With a time of 7:35:39, Jan Frodeno cements his world record for fastest iron-distance triathlon. Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Challenge — The men’s podium: Jan Frodeno, Joe Skipper and Nils Frommold. Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Challenge — Champagne for all! Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Challenge — 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

Challenge — 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

Challenge — Wellington was on hand to welcome Ryf to the finish line in 2016. Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Challenge — More Champagne for the podium! Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto

Challenge — The women’s podium: Daniela Ryf, Carrie Lester and Yvonne Van Vlerken. Photo: Paul Phillips / Competitive Image / @compimagephoto