The contest is the latest sporting event to fall victim to coronavirus, which has infected more than 116,000 people and killed just over 4,000 worldwide. 

SuperLeague Triathlon announced the news, revealing the competition still may be rescheduled.

"The decision has been taken to protect the safety of athletes and staff and to ensure that a successful event can still be held," they said.

"The event will be rearranged with a new date towards the end of the year, to be confirmed shortly."

Competition was due to take place on March 27 and 28 on the site of Neom, a planned city in northwestern Saudi Arabia.

There have been 20 confirmed cases in Saudi Arabia, but no deaths. 

The event was set to feature a number of sporting stars, including former Tour de France champion Cadel Evans of Australia, German cycling star Jens Voigt, former marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe of Britain, and Dutch four-time Olympic swim champion Inge de Bruijn.

Each athlete would have taken on the triathletes in their own specialties.