The city has won the right to host the event after the success of the triathlon at the Commonwealth Games.

That was held at Salford Quays and proved to be a big hit drawing thousands of spectators.

Organisers aim to attract more of the sport's elite to the city to take the plunge into Salford Quays, and run and cycle around the quayside, past the Imperial War Museum North and Old Trafford, and through Manchester city centre.

'Fantastic buzz'

The bid was organised by the city council in conjunction with the British Triathlon Association.

Council deputy leader John Merry said: "We know The Quays is a tried and tested venue for the sport. The overwhelming success of the Commonwealth Games confirmed our view.

"We'll be aiming to recreate that fantastic buzz."

The World Cup 2003 calendar also includes competition in cities such as New York, Madrid, Nice, Edmonton and Beijing.

Athletes have to race in the World Cup series to gain selection for the Olympic Games in Athens in August 2004.

The event will be held on 27 July and will be shown on BBC's Grandstand programme.

British Triathlon Association chair Peter Coulson said the World Cup will draw some of the world's best athletes to the city.