Their triathletes proved to be among the fastest on the run section of the event, as the Chinese coastal city made its debut on the World Cup circuit.

A leading group were able to develop during the 1,500 metres swim and the majority of the six laps of 6.7 kilometres, but they were ultimately caught by the chasing pack prior to the run.

The decisive 10km run saw Spanish athletes hit the front, with Alberto Serrat Seoane producing the early pace on the course.

He was followed by compatriot Uxio Abuin Ares and Mexico’s Rodrigo Gonzalez, who ultimately contested the victory.

Ares would emerge as the winner of the event, with his first success of the season coming in a time of 1 hour 56min and 15sec.

Gonzalez finished four seconds behind to end as the runner-up, while Seoane completed the podium in 1:56:38.

Switzerland’s Jolanda Annen claimed victory in the women’s race, having been part of the leading group since the start.

Annen featured in a five-woman group leading out of the swim section, before extending their advantage by working well together on the bike.

The collaboration came to an end on the run, with Annen moving clear of her rivals to triumph in a time of 2:09:47.

She finished 50sec clear of Australia’s Emma Jackson, who proved the closest rival to the Swiss triathlete.

The top three was completed by Anastasia Gorbunova, with the Russian ending in a time of 2:11:07.