South Africa will enter a strong team when hosting the World Championships ©UCI

Leading cyclists from around the world are converging on Pietermaritzburg in South Africa for the start of the International Cycling Union (UCI) Para-Cycling Road World Championships tomorrow.

It will mark the first such event for two years since the 2015 World Championships in Nottwil.

Action will take place on the roads of the city, which is the capital and second-largest city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

A strong host nation team is expected to be led by three-time world champion Pieter du Preez in the H1 category.

Du Preez, a former Paralympian in athletics, is the first quadriplegic athlete to have completed an Ironman triathlon. 

He was also nominated for the illustrious Laureus World Sports Awards in 2016.

Germany, United States and The Netherlands will provide strong opposition after leading the medals standings on this year's UCI World Cup circuit.

Italy will also feature after strong performances this season, especially in hand cycling events.

Former Formula One driver turned four-time Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi is among members of their team.

Action will begin tomorrow and continue until Sunday (September 3).

A total of 38 countries are participating.