The British duo will be joined by fellow male athletes Gordon Benson andTom Bishop, who will be hoping to impress the British selectors for Rio and get the third spot on the team with the Brownlees.
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The women’s race features Jodie Stimpson and Helen Jenkins, who will be looking to impress British selectors and claim the final third team place for Rio, with Vicky Holland and Non Stanford who have already secured their Olympic spots.
Both demonstrated good form by winning gold and bronze respectively in the previous round of the Series in Abu Dhabi.
Qualification requires evidence of ability to win an individual medal in Rio, and a nomination committee will meet following the race to review performances.
Stimpson, who won in Abu Dhabi and also in the ITU World Cup the following weekend in Mooloolaba said: “This is a massive race, which is unusual this early in the season, but I have taken a lot of confidence from my first two races this year. I will put in my best performance possible on the day, that’s all you can ever ask for.”
Double ITU World Champion, Jenkins said: “I have had a great training block since Abu Dhabi and feel like I have moved my fitness on. I need to put in a performance that shows I am able to podium at Rio. It’s going to be up to the selectors to decide on the athlete they want to take.”
Both races promise to be exciting races with a strong British squad hoping for glory. The Brownlee brothers will want to set up a fast swim to ensure the pace is high right from the start. Spain’s Mario Mola is currently ranked number one in the world following his win in the opening round of the Series in Abu Dhabi.
Jonathan Brownlee, who will be hoping to emulate his victory here last year, said: “The Gold Coast race was one of my best ever performances last year so it’s brilliant to be back. The first race of the season always has a few unknowns, but I can’t wait to race.”
Olympic Champion, Alistair Brownlee, who underwent ankle surgery at the end of last season, said: “Jonny and I didn’t actually get to race together much last year so it’s great that we’re both here this time. I’m happy with how things have gone recently and excited just to get out there.”
The women’s race is up first at 12:30am UK time on Saturday morning followed by the men at 3:30am. Both will be live on the BBC Red Button and online. Highlights are on BBC Two at 1pm on Sunday (10 April).
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