The 2015 Challenge Heilbronn is now behind us and here is a great selection of images from this loaded half-distance triathlon in Germany. Andi Böcherer and Laura Philipp were victorious but it was hard fought.

Andi Böcherer set a wicked pace on the bike that snapped the elastic to Giulio Molinari, Michael Raelert and Nils Frommhold.

The defending champion Andreas Dreitz came into the race with 2 wins this season, but could not match the bike digits of Böcherer.

Sebastian Kienle moved up through the field but lost time to Böcherer as well.

Nils Frommhold rode in fourth position for a long time.

Giulio Molinari was the toughest challenger for Böcherer on the bike, but fell back towards the end.

Horst Reichel picking up some speed on a downhill section.

Maurice Clavel dug deep in pursuit of the leaders.

This shot of Sebastian Kienle better shows the SRAM electronic shifters.

In the women's race Anja Beranek set a wicked pace.

Svenja Bazlen pushed hard but was unable to keep pace with Beranek.

Age groupers spread out over the German countryside during the 2015 Challenge Heilbronn.

Michael Raelert was 2nd off the bike and ran well, but did not gain on Böcherer.

Nils Frommhold on the way to 6th place in Heilbronn.

Maurice Clavel in full flight to 7th place.

Once off the bike, Laura Philipp ran like a gazelle and slowly gained on race leader Beranek.

Beranek held the lead for most of the race, but could not out pace Philipp.

Race winner Andi Böcherer having fun with friend Maurice Clavel.

Laura Philipp, 2015 Challenge Heilbronn champion.

Svenja Bazlen finished 3rd.

All images © Karsten Täschner / slowtwitch.com