Kalmar in Sweden is set to host the World University Triathlon Championships ©FISU

The International University Sports Federation (FISU) World University Triathlon Championships are set to begin in Kalmar in Sweden.

The event, due to start tomorrow and conclude on Sunday (September 2), is the 14th edition of the competition.

A new mixed team event, replacing the men’s and women’s team events in previous Championships, will be held for the first time.

The men and women will follow the same course, consisting of a 750 metres swim, a 20 kilometre cycle and a 5km run.

The last World University Triathlon Championships were held in Nyon in Switzerland in 2016, where France took home the women’s team gold and Great Britain won the men's title.

Mexico’s Vanesa De La Torre, left, is the only medallist from 2016 to return for this year's event ©FISU
Mexico’s Vanesa De La Torre, left, is the only medallist from 2016 to return for this year's event ©FISU

The women’s individual race will be held on the opening day tomorrow, with 54 competitors vying for the gold medal.

Mexico’s Vanesa De La Torre is the only medallist from 2016 to return.

She won silver behind Japan’s Yuko Takahashi, who took gold, and ahead of France’s Sandra Dodet in bronze.

None of the 2016 men’s medallists will compete this year.

Great Britain’s Grant Sheldon claimed a dominant victory two years ago.

Turkey’s Jonas Schomburg took silver and French athlete Léo Bergere won bronze.