It is the second consecutive occasion that Gold Coast has held the second stop of the series but last year’s event saw Spain’s Mario Mola and Britain’s Helen Jenkins triumph in the men’s and women’s races over the Olympic distance.

Spain’s Javier Gomez, winner at the opening event in Abu Dhabi, believes the distance provides him with a tougher task.

"I think the races are getting better, the rivalries are becoming stronger, faster," he said at the pre-race press conference.

"There are more sprint races - that I am not a big fan of, but these young kids are really fast at this kind of different racing.

"It’s a challenge for me, I’m older and trying to get faster as well.

"I still enjoy it."

The five-time world champion will be racing over a sprint distance for the first time since 2015 and will expect to face the challenge of Mola.

Mola is the reigning world champion and was highly impressive over the shorter distance last year, making him one of the favourites on the 750 metres swim, 20 kilometre bike and 5km run course.

The event will also be of added intrigue to athletes and fans of Commonwealth nations, with the circuit proving similar to the one which will be raced on at next year's Commonwealth Games.

Beginning and ending at Mitchell Park, the course is claimed to be a spectator friendly and the home athletes will be eager to impress at the race will act as their first qualifier for next year’s Games.

"I mean there is big things on the line weekend, but it’s also just really good to race in front of a home crowd," said Ryan Bailie, 10th at last year's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

"I think if I tick the boxes and focus on my processes there is no reason why I can’t get that spot.

"If you are good enough to be the first Aussie across the line and take that automatic spot, then so-be-it, but I’m definitely not counting how many guys are in front of me - it’s just letting it rip and leaving it all out there."

New Zealand’s Andrea Hewitt will target back-to-back victories in the women’s race, which will precede the men’s event tomorrow.

She will be challenged by Britain’s Jodie Stimpson, the reigning Commonwealth Games champion after her victory at Glasgow 2014.

The United States will also be hopeful of success in Gold Coast, with Katie Zaferes and Sarah True among their starters for the race.

Australian fans will hope to see Gillian Backhouse, Charlotte McShane and Ashleigh Gentle near the head of the race, the trio seeking to make their mark on the WTS and secure Gold Coast 2018 spots.

A mixed-team relay will take place in the morning, with the elite races following later in the afternoon.

As well as being the home of next year’s Commonwealth Games, the triathlon course will be the location of the WTS Grand Final next year.