Andreas Raelert won in his Roth premiere in an incredible 7:41:33 hours, more than five minutes faster than Marino Vanhonacker from Belgium, who was only able to enjoy his world record in Klagenfurt for just seven days.

“This was the best performance of my life,” he said. “I remember Chris McCormack said in an interview that the boys in the future will make 7:45 or sub-7:40, and last week Marino opened this new chapter. It was just a question of time that the men would get to such times.”

Once he hit the run, the 34 year old said he had an idea the record was in sight and worked hard to push the pace but not overcook himself, taking in the advice of his brother, fellow world-beating triathlete Michael Raelert, to rein his enthusiasm just enough to ensure a strong finish.

“When I entered T2 I heard we were around five hours and I was thinking a little bit to get under the course record,” Raelert said. “Sometimes you start to think to yourself, maybe it's this moment, don't let it slip away and just try to give everything you have, and that's what I did. I’m totally exhausted, not physically also mentally, and quite happy.”

Run (42km) - 2:40:52

The world sensation was completed by three-times Hawaii-winner Chrissie Wellington, who won for the third time straight at Challenge Roth - and again with a new world record.

The best female triathlete in the world was able to once again improve her own record from last year of 8:19:13 hours by one minute and crossed the finish line after exactly 8:18:13 hours.

Almost as incredible, Wellington finished fifth overall and can now rightfully claim to belong among the top 5 men. The 34 year-old athlete, who presented herself in excellent shape led the race from start to finish and can currently only beat herself.