The UCI and fitness platform Zwift have agreed to stage three circuits, called "The Punch", "The Climb" and "The Podium", that will be played on different routes to determine the winners.

A total of 100 riders will make up the men's and women's pelotons after coming through the qualification system.

The Punch will see riders tackle a 13.8-kilometre route over rolling terrain with the top 30 from the first race qualifying for the next and the rest suffering elimination.

The remaining riders will compete in The Climb - a short format that consists of hill repetitions on a custom-designed climb, with a total length of 8.5km and 162 metres of vertical gain.

Only the top 10 finishers in the men's and women's categories will advance to the next stage.

The Podium will take place on the last of the three new circuits containing short, challenging climbs, and will see riders fighting for position, with one eliminated through each archway until three remain.

These riders will then battle it out to the finish in a bid to win the world title.

"The new format for the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships is in line with our desire to continue innovating and increasing the appeal of our sport," said UCI President David Lappartient.

"Our first two UCI World Championships for cycling esports were a great success, and now we have increased the excitement with three separate events that will gradually eliminate members of the peloton."

Eric Min, co-founder and chief executive of Zwift, added: "Together with the UCI, we’re thrilled to continue our innovation in cycling esports with this new multi-event format.

"Both riders and spectators will have an opportunity to experience this new format this weekend with the UCI continental qualification races.

"The racing is going to be fast-paced and tactical.

"I hope that we may once again unearth some hidden talent here."