Javier Gomez is among the startlist for the WTS in Yokohama ©Getty Images

World Triathlon Series (WTS) leader Javier Gomez will head the men’s startline as the season continues tomorrow in Yokohama.

The Spaniard will be seeking a third success in the Japanese city, having triumphed in both the 2014 and 2015 events.

His hopes will be boosted by the return of the Olympic distance format of a 1.5 kilometre swim, 40km bike and 10km run.

Gomez had finished fourth in the Gold Coast leg of the WTS last month, which took place over a sprint distance.

Reigning world champion Mario Mola triumphed on that occasion, in front of South Africa’s Richard Murrary, with fellow Spaniard Fernando Alarza rounding off the top three.

Mola and Alarza will both be competing in Yokohama, with Spain boasting a strong squad for the event.

Britain’s Jonathan Brownlee could pose a threat to their dominance, with the Olympic silver medallist from Rio 2016 poised to compete on the WTS circuit for the first time this season.

He will be joined by Tom Bishop, with the Briton having secured a maiden WTS medal at the season opener in Abu Dhabi during March.

Women's world champion Flora Duffy is poised to make her first appearance of the WTS season ©Getty Images
Women's world champion Flora Duffy is poised to make her first appearance of the WTS season ©Getty Images

World champion Flora Duffy will make her return to the women’s field, after an enforced absence from the opening two events of the series.

The Bermudan star was forced to withdraw from Abu Dhabi and Gold Coast due to injury, but she is now poised to get her season underway in Yokohama.

New Zealand’s Andrea Hewitt remains the athlete to beat, having triumphed in the opening two races to lead the series.

Britain’s Non Stanford and Vicky Holland will also return to the WTS, with the former heading to the event on a high after winning last weekend’s ITU World Cup race in Chengdu.