Spain’s Emilio Martín will hope to earn back-to-back men's duathlon world titles ©Twitter/World Triathlon

Spain’s Emilio Martín will look to defend his men’s title in front of a home crowd at tomorrow’s International Triathlon Union (ITU) Duathlon World Championships in Avilés.

The 33-year-old triumphed at last year’s Championships in Adelaide with aggressive race tactics seeing him lead the men’s field from start to finish to earn his second world title, having previously triumphed in 2012.

He will now hope to become the first man to successfully defend his crown since Belgium’s Benny Vansteelant managed the feat by winning in 2003 and 2004.

Having been forced to settle for silver last October, France’s Benoit Nicolas will be eager to wrestle back the title he claimed in 2014.

South Africa’s Richard Murray, who won ITU World Cup gold in New Plymouth during April, will look to provide a strong challenge as he makes his return from a shoulder injury.

The triathlete is known for his speed on the bike and run so could provide a major threat during the race around the medieval town in northern Spain, with the course consisting of a 10 kilometre run, 40km cycle and a final 5km run.

Triathlete Richard Murray could prove a threat in the elite men's race
Triathlete Richard Murray could prove a threat in the elite men's race ©Getty Images

Britain’s Emma Pallant will begin as the reigning champion in the women’s event and will be joined by her team-mate and 2005 champion Michelle Dillon.

Dillon, who represented her country in triathlon at Sydney 2000, will be making her first appearance in an ITU competition since 2008 in Avilés.

European champion Giorgia Priarone of Italy and Denmark’s Susanne Svendsen are considered two of the greatest threats to Pallant's bid for back-to-back titles.

Brazil’s Nayara Luniere could also be in contention come the close of the race, while the host nation's challenge is expected to be led by Paula García Godino and Margarita García Cañellas.