FOUR Salisbury Tri Club athletes battled through the sweltering heat at the Vichy Ironman, France.

The course consisted of a swim in Lake Allier, a bike race through the regions of Allier and Puy-de-dome, with exceptional views of the Chaine des Volcans d’Auver, and a run to finish on the shores of Lac d'Allier and through historical Vichy. This is where hundreds of spectators lined the course to cheer some 4,000 athletes over the line.

Weather conditions added to the challenge as the temperatures were in the mid-30s, making for a difficult bank holiday weekend's work.

First up for the Green army was Andy Fallon, who took part in Saturday's half ironman 70.3 race.

He completed his 1.2mile swim, 56mile bike and half marathon on Saturday in seven hours and six minutes.

Sunday saw the trio of Alan Bayliss, Samantha Cain, and Jen Witt take part in their first ever full distance ironman race, including a 2.4 mile swim 112 cycle ride and full marathon.

First home was Bayliss in a spectacular time of 11:31, next was Witt with 12:41 and completing the compliment was Cain in 14:56.