Lilian de Geus is back to defend her women's world RS:X title ©Getty Images

Lilian de Geus and Kiran Badloe of The Netherlands are set to defend their titles at the RS:X World Championships in Cadiz, Spain.

De Geus and Badloe claimed the women's and men's crowns, respectively, at last year's event in Sorrento in Australia.

They will attempt to retain their titles when the event takes place from tomorrow until Tuesday (April 27).

Charline Picon of France could be among the other challengers for the women's gold medal having topped the podium at November's European Championships in Portugal.

Kiran Badloe, the defending men's champion, is among the field set to compete in Cadiz ©Getty Images
Kiran Badloe, the defending men's champion, is among the field set to compete in Cadiz ©Getty Images

Israel's Yoav Cohen, gold medallist in the men's event at the European Championships, has also entered the competition in Cadiz.

A total of 42 men and 28 women will battle it out for World Championships glory.

The RS:X World Championships is one of the last major sailing competitions that are set to be held before the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, due to open on July 23.