The International Triathlon Union has begun its search for host cities for major events ©Getty Images

The International Triathlon Union (ITU) has begun its search for host cities for major events between 2020 and 2022.

Bidding has been opened for competitions including World Cups and the 2022 World Multisports Championships.

Applications have also been invited for the 2020 Paratriathlon World Series and the 2020 Winter World Championships.

The ITU have claimed many benefits for cities staging flagship triathlon races.

"Hosting internationally renowned ITU events once again offers major cities the opportunity to showcase themselves to the world thanks to our multi-sports formats' unique ability to utilise their landmarks within the structure of the course," said ITU President Marisol Casado, a member of the International Olympic Committee.

The International Triathlon Union has claimed several benefits for cities hosting events ©Getty Images
The International Triathlon Union has claimed several benefits for cities hosting events ©Getty Images

"One of the great things about the racing calendar is the opportunity to work with different Local Organising Committees to deliver challenging courses that highlight the world's great regions, and we look forward to doing so again after the latest round of bids.

"Our host-cities are guaranteed a huge worldwide audience via on-site local and international media coverage. 

"The ITU website attracts over 24 million page views a year and ITU social media channels have a combined audience of over half a million followers, and with higher-than-average engagement across all platforms we can showcase not only world-class racing, but the very best of our host cities."