As the 750 metres swim failed to split a huge field, the 20 kilometres bike leg began with a huge pack, forcing the pre-race favourites Luciano Taccone and Aurelien Lescure from Argentina, first and second last year, to launch an attack rather than risk facing multiple rivals on the run.

The two men would not appear on the podium for a second consecutive year, however, as the hot conditions and a large climb took their toll and they were reeled in by the chasing pack, leaving the title up for grabs heading into the 5km run.

Perez seized the opportunity on the first lap of the run as, with the crowd’s support, he attacked his nearest challengers, Italy's Massimo De Ponti, Germany’s Maximilian Schwetz and American Kevin Mcdowell, before another acceleration during the second lap catapulted him to victory, crossing the line in 59min 25sec.

“I am so happy for this race because it was my first time winning here,” Perez said.

“I am so happy for the Mexican team, my coach, my family and the support from the people.

“The guys were very fast, but I tried to respond and attack in the second leg, I felt very good."

Schwetz finished four seconds adrift of the winner to take silver and secure his first World Cup finish, an feat also achieved by Austria’s Thomas Springer after he moved past De Ponti and McDowell in the closing stages to claim bronze in 59:31.

Chile’s Valentina Carvallo secured her maiden World Cup victory in the women’s event, producing an excellent bike leg,  key to hauling back the three-woman break consisting of Mexico’s Claudia Rivas, last year’s winner, Austria's Lisa Perterer, and Denmark’s Line Thams.

By helping the chasing pack claw back the leaders, Carvallo set herself up with a perfect launchpad to take the title, which she duly did by powering clear to finish in 1 hour 06min 20sec.

Her overall margin of victory was 28 seconds as Switzerland’s Jolanda Annen secured silver, crossing the line in 1:06:48.

The United States’ Kirsten Kasper completed the podium, finishing a further 11 seconds further back.

Tiszaujvaros in Hungary is set to host the fifth ITU World Cup event of the year, with competition due to take place on August 8 and 9.

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