The three-day event will be the last major event before the World Championships in the United States next month, due to take place from August 28 to September 1 in Greenville, South Carolina.

Competition will begin today with time trials for all the classifications around an 11km circular route, before road races are held over the weekend.

Leading the billing amid a host of other big names is Zanardi, the former Formula One driver, who suffered a horrifying crash in 2001 resulting in the amputation of both of his legs.

He has been in formidable form this season in the H-5 hand-cycling category.

The 47-year-old will be up against close rivals Ernst Van Dyk of South Africa and Jetze Plat of The Netherlands.

"So far, I've been often able to drive the race in a way where my best talents could shine, but you can't always expect to hit it the way you want," said the Italian, winner of both events in his class at the World Cup in Castiglione Della Pescaia in May.

"In my training, I tried to work on aspects where I feel my main opponents are better."

He predicted that, while the time trial course as "flat and repetitive", the hilly road race course will prove to be a thrilling tactical challenge for all involved as it involves a final climb of 750m, with a gradient of seven per cent.

"To cross the finish line after a pretty long climb sets the odds more in favour of who has more energy to spend in that final shoot and this will provide an exciting finish," said Zanardi.

"It'll definitely be a strategic race."

Laura Turnham who, unlike Alex Zanardi, did not win a medal at London 2012, will be aiming to continue her double gold medal winning form from the last World Cup  ©Getty Images



Among other star names competinginclude France's Quentin Aubague in the T1 division and Great Britain's Lora Turnham in the visually impaired category, while the largest delegation, of 45 riders, will be provided by hosts Spain.

Shawn Morelli of the US will be warming up for a home World Championships by seeking a victory in the C4 class, while Poland's Anna Harkowska in the C5 and South Africa's Justine Asher in the H2 other leading contenders.

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