Schurter won all six races on the UCI World Cup circuit earlier this season and will be seeking a sixth world title after victories in 2009, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016.

The first of these also came on Australian soil in Canberra.

The 31-year-old is not expected to have things all his own way at Smithfield Regional Park, however, as his opponents include two former world and Olympic champions in France's Julien Absalon and Czech Republic's Jaroslav Kulhavy.

Kulhavy won gold at London 2012 before he finished second in Rio while Absalon claimed sport's biggest prize at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.

Both male and female cross-country races - the only mountain biking events on the Olympic programme - will take place on Saturday (September 9).

World Cup winner Yana Belomoina of Ukraine is the form athlete in the women's race.

Other strong contenders are likely to include Denmark's defending world champion Annika Langvad, Switzerland's Jolanda Neff and Poland's Olympic bronze medallist Maja Wloszczowska.

A cross-country team relay will take place to open the event tomorrow before junior races over the following two days.

Downhill races for men and women will take place on Sunday (September 10).

Tracey Hannah will be aiming for home success in the women's race although French World Cup winner Myriam Nicolle and British duo Tahnee Seagrave and defending champion Rachel Atherton will also be strong contenders.

Aaron Gwin of United States will start as male favourite but will continue a season-long battle with South Africa's Greg Minnaar and Australia's Troy Brosnan.

In total, 527 riders representing 46 nations are due to participate across five days of competition.