Here is our first image gallery from the 2015 Ironman European Championships, a day of great performances with many records broken. All pictures here were taken by Karsten Täschner who did a stellar job shooting the race without access to a moto.

Trying to find a quiet space is always difficult in the pro transition area, but Frederik van Lierde is in his element.

Andi Böcherer looked a bit nervous before the start, but he came through on a hot day in Frankfurt.

Caroline Steffen has won this race twice and would have liked to add a third win.

Daniela Ryf and Caroline Steffen chatting before the pro women's start.

As Jan Frodeno lapping age groupers like a speeding train.

Sebastian Kienle and Andi Böcherer were chasing hard but could not match Frodeno.

Andi Böcherer was near the front all day.

For Eneko Llanos it was not the day he had hoped for, but the competition and conditions were tough.

Frodeno had lost his liquid storage up front but that did not slow him down.

Frederik van Lierde was hoping for a win, but the talented Belgian had to settle for 5th place.

Andreas Raelert rode near the front and in the end grabbed a hard-earned 6th.

Late in the bike segment Daniela Ryf pulled away from Caroline Steffen and Julia Gajer.

Sebastian Kidnle started the run as the hunter, a position somewhat unfamiliar to him.

About 7 minutes up the road Jan Frodeno looked completely in control.

Dutch Bas Diederen had a solid day and finished 4th.

The 2013 Ironman World Champion Frederik van Lierde on the way to 5th place.

Daniela Ryf looked relaxed at the front of the race and finished with a course record.

Caroline Steffen was chasing, but had to settle for third place. She later told media that she was not happy with her day.

Germans looked at Julia Gajer to step up, and step up she did. It was 2nd place for the quiet and likeable German from the Erdinger squad.

American Ruth Brennan Morrey ran to a very fine 5th place and a likely Kona spot.

Sonja Tajsich is always tough and she hung tough today to finish 4th.



German Kristin Möller ran to 6th place with a 3:01:14.



Dane Tine Holst finished 9th in Frankfurt.



The proud new men's champion broke records on the way.



Andi Böcherer earned that final podium spot the hard way.



Daniela Ryf was very happy with her performance and the result.




All images © Karsten Täschner / slowtwitch.com