After nine World Triathlon Series races it will all come down to the action in the American city with the elite women set to compete on Friday (September 18) before the men do battle a day later.

In the men's event, Spaniard Javier Gomez currently leads the rankings with 3820 points ahead of compatriot Mario Mola who has 3595, but with 1,000 points up for grabs for winning in Chicago there is still plenty at stake.

France's Vincent Luis, who sits third, and fourth placed South African Richard Murray will also feel that they still have a shot at glory.

The women's standings are topped by American Gwen Jorgensen who is the favourite to retain her world title on home soil after an undefeated season, but fellow US star Kate Zaferes sits just 300 points behind her.

Introduced in 2009, the ITU World Triathlon Series created a series of World Championship races rather than a single-day competition.

Races have been held in Abu Dhabi, Auckland, Gold Coast, Cape Town, Yokohama, London, Hamburg, Stockholm and Edmonton in the build-up to Chicago.

Also on the schedule are aquathons for men and women, which take place tomorrow, as well as age-group and Para competitions.

Related stories
September 2015: Murray holds off World Triathlon Series leader Gomez to top podium in Edmonton
August 2015: Gómez remains on course to make history after adding Stockholm success to long list of World Triathlon Series triumphs
August 2015: Sarah stays True to form with successful defence of World Triathlon Series race title in Stockholm
July 2015: Jorgensen wins record 11th World Triathlon Series race but pushed hard in Hamburg
May 2015: Brownlee cruises to World Triathlon Series victory on scene of Olympic triumph