The city is making its debut on the World Cup circuit, with the event set to feature a two lap swim, 40 kilometre bike ride and 10km run.

Triathletes will have to contend with hills during the event, with the second half of the bike circuit and opening portion of the run deemed particularly challenging.

Vicente Hernandez is expected to be among the contenders for the race victory, following his 12^th place finish at the Grand Final in Rotterdam.

With a number of usual podium contenders missing, Hernandez will wear the number one jersey out of the 60-man men’s field.

The Spaniard will be joined by team-mates Antonio Serrat Seoane, David Castro Fajardo and Uxio Abuin, with the latter having earned two World Cup titles in 2016.

France’s Leo Bergere, Canada’s Matthew Sharpe and Britain’s Adam Bowden are among the other names tipped to challenge for podium positions.

A total of 41 women will take to the start in tomorrow’s opening race, with Canada’s Joanna Brown looking to secure another podium finish.

She secured top three finishes at Cagliari and New Plymouth, while the Canadian was also placed fourth in two World Triathlon Series events this season.

Brown will seek to secure a maiden World Cup victory, but will expect to come under threat from Americans Chelsea Burns and Renee Tomlin.

Japan’s Juko Takahashi and Vendula Frintova of the Czech Republic will also hope to be in contention for a top three finish.

Anna Godoy Contreras, Camila Alonso, Ines Santiago and Sara Perez Sala will lead the Spanish challenge in front of a home crowd.