The five-time world champion had been focusing on long-distance racing but decided to switch in order to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. 

Gomez is yet to win Olympic gold, taking silver at London 2012 and withdrawing from Rio 2016 with a broken elbow. 

He will start his qualification campaign in New Zealand venue New Plymouth, the third stop of the World Cup circuit. 

The course comprises a 750 metre ocean swim from Ngamotu Beach, a 20 kilometre cycle and a 5km run.

“I’m excited to do an ITU race again, it’s been a while," Gomez said.

"New Plymouth is a race I’ve always liked and I have great memories from 2008 and 2014, when I raced there. 

"It’s a preparation race for the World Triathlon Series in Bermuda and I look forward to some fast racing again."

Challenging Gomez in the men's competition will be Canada’s Tyler Mislawchuk, winner of the Mooloolaba ITU World Cup event earlier this month. 

Sam Ward, silver medallist at last year's New Plymouth competition, will hope to make the most of home advantage. 

The women's competition is led by Australia’s Emma Jeffcoat, who has already enjoyed a gold medal in 2019 in the Abu Dhabi triathlon mixed relay.

America's Renee Tomlin, who took silver in Mooloolaba, will feature, as will New Zealand's Nicole Van Der Kaay.

Van Der Kaay achieved her first World Cup podium with silver in New Plymouth last year. 

The women's race will take place tomorrow morning, followed by the men's competition.