A total of 84 athletes from 13 nations are set to compete in the event, set to conclude on Sunday (November 27).

The season opener will also see the World Cup debut of mixed relay.

The category is set to make its Olympic debut during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Games.

Among men, European champion Oriol Cardona Coll of Spain and the 2021-2022 Sprint World Cup winner Arno Lietha of Switzerland will start as favourites.

The home hopes will rest on Thibault Anselmet while 2019 world champion Iwan Arnold of Switzerland will also be eyeing for a winning start to the season.

The hosts’ Emily Harrop will be the one to beat among women with Slovakian Europan champion Marianna Jagerčíková hoping to challenge her.

"I'm feeling good," Harrop said.

"Maybe missing some hours on the skis, but all in all, the form is okay.

"It’s really exciting to be racing at home.

"Family and friends should be coming so I'm really looking forward to that.

"I hope to get back into a good rhythm and get the race feelings back this weekend.

"The sprint track is really interesting, with flat and steep pitches.

"It's going to be intense!"

Giulia Murada and Mara Martini of Italy and the French duo Célia Perillat-Pessey and Léna Bonnel will make it an exciting women’s field.