The Bermudan triathlete headed into the event with the ambition of a third straight victory on the WTS circuit.

Following her triumphs in the most recent events in Yokohama and Leeds, Duffy was in imperious form in the sprint distance competition in the German city.

Duffy was among the leaders at the conclusion of the swim section of the race, before launching a breakaway move on the bike with American Kirsten Kasper and Britain’s Jess Learmonth.

The Bermudan would eventually go solo heading into the closing stages of the bike leg, entering the transition with a more than 20 second advantage on her nearest rivals.

She would maintain the lead during the five kilometre run, crossing the finish line in a time of 59min.

Australia’s Ashleigh Gentle came through the chasing pack to end as the runner-up in 59:31, with Germany’s Laura Lindemann rounding off the top three, a further 10sec back.

Having finished in fourth place, 42sec behind the winner, the United States’ Katie Zaferes took over as the WTS leader.

Spain's Mario Mola claimed victory in the men's race for the second consecutive year, as he pulled away on the run to triumph in 54:08.

He was followed across the line by Australia's Jacob Birtwhistle, who finished in 54:20.

New Zealand's Ryan Sissons secured a maiden WTS podium, as he ended three seconds further back.

France's Vincent Luis, the 2015 winner, narrowly missed out on the top three positions in 54:26.

Javier Gomez of Spain ended in fifth place, while Britain's Jonathan Brownlee pulled out prior to the competition on doctor's advice.

The Mixed Relay World Championships will take place tomorrow, just a month after the International Olympic Committee added the event to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic programme.

A total of 21 teams are expected to contest the event, which will see two men and two women each complete the 300 metres swim, 6.6 kilometre bike and 1.6 km run course.

The United States are the defending champions, while Britain and Australia have also been tipped for success.