Jackie Hering took an outstanding victory at the IRONMAN European Championship in Hamburg, as the American middle distance star stepped up in style at her first full distance event in nine years.

In a dramatic race, favourite Kat Matthews was disqualified after overtaking in a “no passing zone”, whilst a puncture cost in-form Els Visser close to ten minutes on the bike, with the Dutch pro eventually finishing fifth.

Hering, who had one of the best races of her career, was unstoppable however and broke the American Ironman record, previously held by Skye Moench, on her way to victory.

IRONMAN Hamburg Results

Here is the full finishing order with times from Hamburg:

1. Jackie Hering (USA) – 8:19:14
2. Maja Stage Nielsen (DEN) – 8:21:54
3. Daniela Bleymehl (GER) – 8:28:09
4. Fenella Langridge (GBR) – 8:29:36
5. Els Visser (NED) – 8:32:45
6. Julie Iemmolo (FRA) – 8:34:03
7. Laura Jansen (GER) – 8:35:33
8. Katrine Graesboll Christensen (DEN) – 8:36:13
9. Elisabetta Curridori (ITA) – 8:40:03
10. Erin Schenkels (CAN) – 8:41:59
11. Katharina Wolff (GER) – 8:44:13
12. Henrike Guber (GER) – 8:45:39
13. Rebecca Anderbury (GBR) – 8:53:18
14. Stephanie Wunderle (GER) – 8:57:35
15. Sabrina Roth (GER) – 8:59:14
16. Line Borsinski (DEN) – 9:11:06
17. Sabrina Exenberger (AUT) – 9:21:31
18. Margrit Elfers (GER) – 9:23:18
19. Dimity-Lee Duke (AUS) – 9:25:41
20. Maria Florencia Diaz Philippi (ARG) – 9:41:19
21. Fabia Maramotti (ITA) – 9:49:58
22. Annika Timm (GER) – 10:17:47