Modern Pentathlon Commences New Olympic Cycle at Cairo World Cup 2025
The Cairo World Cup 2025, the first major competition of the Modern Pentathlon’s new Olympic cycle, is being held from February 25 to March 1. Noteworthy changes include the introduction of an obstacle round instead of equestrian and a newly structured event sequence. The event features strong contenders like reigning Olympic champion Michelle Gulyas and rising star Farida Khalil, alongside dominating French athletes and notable Egyptian performances in the early rounds.
The inaugural major competition of the Modern Pentathlon’s new Olympic cycle is being held in Cairo, Egypt from February 25 to March 1, 2025. Following this event, additional UIPM World Cup competitions will take place in Budapest, Hungary from April 22 to 26 and Pazardzhik, Bulgaria from May 7 to 11. The series will conclude with the World Cup Final in Alexandria, Egypt from July 4 to 6, marking a new era for the sport.
This edition of the competition is noteworthy as it introduces a revised format, in which an obstacle round now substitutes the equestrian event, last featured in Paris 2024. This fresh approach integrates the traditional elements of fencing, swimming, and the laser-run into the event. The order of the events has also been restructured: fencing is followed by the obstacle course and swimming, with points earned influencing athletes’ starting positions in the laser-run.
Fencing has been modified to include a rapid direct elimination format, wherein athletes must win one-minute bouts to continue in the competition. Subsequently, competitors will tackle an obstacle course of 70 meters featuring eight challenges before concluding with a swimming segment that finalizes their ranking ahead of the laser-run. In the medal race, athletes will run five laps of 600 meters, incorporating four visits to a shooting range.
In the women’s pentathlon early rounds, reigning Olympic champion Michelle Gulyas of Hungary is seeded second after advancing from the semi-finals, where nine athletes made it to the finals on March 1. Leading the pack is 14-year-old Farida Khalil, who has captured the attention of the home crowd and embodies the sport’s intent to engage a younger audience. Approximately 40 teenagers are participating, as many Olympians from Paris 2024 take time off to rejuvenate.
In the men’s qualification rounds, French athletes showcased their dominance, particularly Leo Bories and Mathis Rochat in Group A, alongside Ugo Fleurot and two-time world champion Valentin Belaud in Group B. Egyptian competitors excelled in the obstacle course, including a remarkable time of 21.93 seconds by Mohamed El Ashqar. Belaud noted, “It is a lot of adrenaline; you must remain focused at every second.”
Unfortunately, Ahmed Elgendy, the men’s Olympic champion and a beloved home figure, is not competing as he is currently on a hiatus following his impressive performance at last August’s event in front of the Palace of Versailles. Nevertheless, Egypt has much to celebrate at this World Cup and upcoming events, including the 2025 UIPM Pentathlon Relay World Championships in Alexandria from July 8 to 13. The journey towards Los Angeles 2028 officially commences with this competition.
The Cairo World Cup 2025 marks a significant beginning for the Modern Pentathlon, introducing a revamped format and excitement for athletes and spectators alike. With notable performances from both newcomers and seasoned competitors, this event sets the stage for the future of the sport as it prepares for subsequent World Cup competitions and the journey toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Original Source: www.olympics.com
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