Wendi Carrington and Sian Mills of Belvoir Tri Club impress at the Ironman Hamburg European Championships

Two members of Belvoir Tri Club have produced extraordinary performances at the Ironman Hamburg European Championships.

Wendi Carrington and Sian Mills both went into the event chasing major milestones.

Carrington was targeting a place at the World Championships while Mills was tackling her first full-distance Ironman.

And both athletes were successful in their quest as Carrington crossed the line in an impressive 11 hours 41 minutes.

It secured an age group podium spot and a coveted qualification for the Ironman World Championship in Kona.

Her award was presented on the Cap San Diego ship, in the company of elite athletes like Kat Matthews, who placed second overall in the women's race.

Mills managed to stay strong until the finish and completed her first Ironman in 14 hours 07 minutes which was a phenomenal achievement.

The pair had to overcome a delayed start by an hour to the event with an early weather warning as thunder and lightning rolled in.

The swim of 2.4 miles took place in a cool 17 degrees Inner Alster Lake, following an out-and-back loop into the Outer Lake.

The route passed under two bridges, with thousands of athletes battling for space in the water.

Both club members transitioned onto the 180km bike course with the two challenging loops being made harder as the wind picked up.

The Belvoir duo had to dig deep as Carrington faced a double setback in the final 60km - a time penalty and a puncture.

Fortunately, the tyre sealed just enough to get her safely back to Hamburg for the 26.2 mile marathon.

The course was lined with supporters and Mills' mum and partner were there to cheer and encourage as the duo both crossed the finish line to achieve their targets.