The event could be included from the 2018 World Cup series and would then feature at the first-ever IOF Sprint World Cup in Denmark in 2020.

It will join the individual sprint and the sprint relay races.

The main testing period for the third medal race will start with a test event in Italy next month and will run through to June.

A second series of tests will then be conducted between July and September before a final decision is made by the ruling Council by the end of the year.

The IOF have invited teams, clubs, organisers and training groups to take part in the process to decide the format of the new race, which must be an "individual finish to finish event, contested mainly in an urban environment".

A knock-out race format has been mooted by the IOF, who added "further testing will be based on this format with mass start, and a new format with a chase start based on performance in previous rounds".

A "special focus" will be put on several issues, including suitable areas and course planning.

The attractiveness of the new event for spectators, TV and other media, as well as current and potential sponsors, will also be considered.

"IOF is inviting teams, clubs, organisers and training groups to participate in the main testing period," an IOF statement said. 

"This is an excellent opportunity for you/your athletes to be a part of the process with the development of the discipline from an early stage, and get some experiences before the event will be included in the World Cup from 2018."