Mislawchuk has enjoyed plenty of success at the Mexican venue, winning the men’s title in 2019 and 2021.

Last year’s race saw Mislawchuk overcome sweltering conditions to claim victory, reigniting his Olympic hopes prior to Tokyo 2020.

It was the last opportunity for the triathlete to gain precious Olympic qualification points for the Games in the Japanese capital.

Paris 2024 points will now be on the line for competitors as Mislawchuk bids to repeat his success, but is expected to face a challenge from Brazilians Manoel Messias and Miguel Hidalgo, who secured silver and bronze respectively at the 2021 edition.

Mexico’s hopes will rest on the shoulders of Crisanto Grajales, Irving Perez, Rodrigo Gonzalez and David Nuñez.

The women’s event is also set take place, with athletes tackling the course consisting of one-lap 750-metre swim, four-lap 20-kilometre bike ride and two-lap run to the tape in Santa Cruz Plaza.

Luisa Baptista of Brazil is expected to challenge for a medal after finishing third in the Triathlon World Cup season opener in Arzachena in Italy.

Elizabeth Bravo of Ecuador has registered back-to-back top-five finishes in Huatulco, coming fifth in 2019 and fourth in 2021.

Other contenders include home favourite Claudia Rivas, Spain’s Sara Perez Sala and Erika Ackerlund of the United States.