By Emily Goddard at the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park, London

lodnon 2013July 8 - London 2012 Olympian Stuart Hayes, reigning under-23 world champion Non Stanford and two-time Paralympian Lauren Steadman were among the big names here today to launch the London 2013 World Triathlon Grand Final taking place at the Olympic venue in September this year.

The International Triathlon Union (ITU) calendar showpiece, which was awarded to London in September 2011, will feature the likes of British Olympic gold medallist Alistair Brownlee, his younger brother, reigning world champion Jonathan, and 2011 women's world champion Helen Jenkins among the 8,500-strong international field competing for the world title on the London 2012 triathlon course.

Britain's Para-triathlon team, who have just embarked on their first ever Paralympic cycle, will also compete.

More than 200,000 spectators are expected to attend the event over the five days of competition, which also coincides with the 20th anniversary of the only other time Britain has hosted the Grand Final, at Manchester in 1993.

Although it is free to watch there are a limited number of grandstand tickets going on sale for the two races that featured at London 2012 - elite men and elite women, with these going on sale tomorrow to the general public from tomorrow at 12pm.

The London 2013 World Triathlon Grand Final will be competed on the London 2012 Olympic triathlon courseThe London 2013 World Triathlon Grand Final will be competed on the London 2012 Olympic triathlon course

Plans for a Triathlon Live Site, which will feature large screen live television coverage and interactive swim, bike and run stands, in Trafalgar Square for the duration of the final were also unveiled here today, along with the announcement that a more than £10 million ($15 million/€12 million) direct economic impact is estimated to be achieved as a result of the event.

"We want those great sport moments to continue from London 2012," UK Sport's director of major events, Simon Morton, said.

"We [Britain] are blessed with stars in triathlon.

"This is triathlon's legacy from the Games."

Robert Püstow, chief executive of Upsolut Sports UK, which is organising the event with British Triathlon, added that the venue is particularly significant and is held dear in the hearts of those who took part in the discipline at London 2012.

"What Wimbledon is for tennis, Hyde Park now is for triathlon," he said.

British Olympic 400 metres hurdles gold medallist Sally Gunnell was also on hand to support the launch, where she revealed that her husband would be competing in September and admitted it was nice to have the shoe on the other foot.

"I've been a massive follower of triathlon for years to see what it can do," said the Barcelona 1992 champion.

"For me it's about being part of it.

"It's an event that all ages can enjoy."

The London 2013 World Triathlon Grand Final is due to take place from September 11 until 15.

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