The world’s best long-distance triathletes are gathering in St George in Utah instead, with men's and women's world titles on the line.

Seeking to establish themselves as champions of the iconic competition for the first time are Gustav Iden of Norway and Katrina Matthews of Britain.

Iden proved his capabilities at this venue last year when he defended his Ironman 70.3 World Championship title and will seek to use this experience to exploit the absence of Jan Frodeno.

The German is often regarded as the greatest triathlete of all time, and is the current title-holder for the men’s event.

The absence of the Beijing 2008 Olympic gold medallist will boost Iden’s chances of securing a maiden title.

However, fellow Norwegian Kristian Blummenfelt is eying history and becoming the first triathlete to win Olympic gold and an ironman world title inside 365 days.

Blummenfelt was a convincing winner over the Olympic distance at Tokyo 2020. 

Two-time Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee of Britain could also contend.

Canada’s Lionel Sanders, a 2017 silver medallist, and Germany’s Sebastian Kienle, a four-time medallist and champion in 2014, could also be in with a shot of taking the title.

Meanwhile, Matthews, who has two Ironman 70.3 golds to her name, is a challenger to Anne Haug’s crown.

The German claimed the world title in 2019.

Daniela Ryf, now 34, can also not be discounted with the Swiss triathlete targeting a fifth title.

The United States’ Heather Jackson and Skye Moench could also launch challenges while competing in their home country.

The course is split between a swim of 3.86 kilometres, a 180km bike ride and a 42.2km run.

Both the men’s and women’s races are scheduled to take place tomorrow.