Nearly $2.5 million (£2 million/€2.3 million) will be up for grabs in the flagship World Triathlon Series (WTS), with the bonus pool for the global circuit increased by $100,000 (£80,000/€95,000) to $855,000 (£686,000/€813,000).

This extra $100,000 will be available to the best 35 men and women in a bid to increase revenue opportunities for more triathletes, and not just the very top tier.

The ITU made this decision following consultation with its Athletes' Committee.

"I’m very pleased to be able to offer athletes more money, which will be reflected in the bonus pool," said ITU President and International Olympic Committee member Marisol Casado. 

"Moreover, I’m thrilled to have the input from our new Athletes' Committee to ensure the money is dispersed in a manner best benefiting triathletes."

Elite athletes will have the opportunity to vie for more than $3.5 million (£2.8 million/€3.3 million) through ITU events this year.

The second-tier World Cup circuit will again offer $60,000 (£48,000/€57,000) per race, but with six more legs on this season's tour a larger total pool of $960,000 (£770,000/€912,000) will be available.

France's Jessica Harrison, the chair of the Athletes' Committee, said: "The Athletes' Committee is very satisfied that ITU and the WTS are confirming their commitment to helping the athletes by investing this new source of revenue straight back into the prize money fund. 

"It is important to keep moving in the right direction of making triathlon a professional and viable sport for all ITU athletes who invest so much time and energy into their triathlon careers and dreams." 

Athletes will also vie for $70,000 (£56,000/€66,000) at the ITU Mixed Relay World Championships in Rotterdam in September and $200,000 (£160,000/€190,000) at the ITU Multisport World Championships Festival in Penticton in August.

The 2017 WTS season will open on March 3 and 4 in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.