The Grand Final of the Series is already claimed by London at the Hyde Park venue, where this summer's Olympic triathlon will be hosted, but the earlier seven Series events are up for grabs.

Marisol Casado, the ITU President, said: "Thanks to the world class cities having hosted ITU World Triathlon Series events in the past, triathlon is now more visible and exposed to global audiences.

"With the growing worldwide television coverage, the events have a tremendous impact on a city's image, regional economy and social legacy."

The $2 million Series (£1.25 million/€1.5 million) will this year travel via Sydney to San Diego, Madrid, Kitzbühel, Hamburg, Lausanne, Yokohama and Auckland.

Cities wishing to host the Series must submit bids, coordinated with their national federations, by April 13.

Hosts cities are expected to be announced on May 15, 2012.

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