The field has been announced for the first World Triathlon Cup of the year in Napier next month, where there are a number of top names on the start list.

Over the sprint distance on February 24, the field will have the opportunity to get a big win over quality opposition at the World Triathlon Cup Napier.

Mouth watering race to kick things off

Leading the way in New Zealand will be home favourite Hayden Wilde, who will be looking to kick off the Olympic year with a strong result on the North Island.

The Taupo native, who won Olympic bronze in Tokyo, is one of the big favourites for the gold medal this time around in Paris but will have to be at his best in the French capital.

The best of the rest

Whilst Wilde might steal the headlines, there are a number of top class athletes who will be lying in wait, hoping to take a big scalp in New Zealand.

Among the eight-strong British contingent, Hugo Milner is one of the most in-form cross country runners in the UK this season and will hope to translate that to more triathlon success, having picked up his first World Cup win last year.

Elsewhere, Norwegian WTCS winner and recent IRONMAN 70.3 Indian Wells champion Casper Stornes makes the trip, as does Portuguese star Ricardo Batista and Swiss strongman Simon Westermann.

Representing the home nation alongside Wilde are two men who are more than capable of getting on the podium, Taylor Reid and Dylan McCullough, plus the experienced Luke Willian of Australia.