Pentathlon GB hire engineering company to help with Rio 2016 medals quest

Avon Valley Precision Engineering have signed a two-year partnership with Pentathlon GB ©AVPE

Pentathlon GB have signed a two-year sponsorship deal with Bristol-based Avon Valley Precision Engineering (AVPE) in order to provide a technological boost a year ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The new relationship will bring together the "two worlds of engineering and sport in order to harbour a shared approach to quality and attention to detail in both management and planning", it is hoped, following similar commercial deals signed by the national body, including one last month with swimwear brand blueseventy.

AVPE have more than 20 years’ experience operating in the aerospace and defence sectors, with the company committed to "investing in both people and best practice".

It is this philosophy they hope to bring to the development of Pentathletes across Britain.

“We are delighted AVPE have agreed to support Pentathlon GB as one of our partners," said Pentathlon GB's chief executive Nigel Laughton.

"This collaboration will provide the sport with a huge boost in the run up to next year’s Olympics.

“Our podium and podium potential athletes have a tough year ahead of them in their preparations for Olympic selection.

"With the European Championships being held at home in August, AVPE’s support has come at just the right time.”

Britain's will be seeking to follow the silver medal won by Samantha Murray at London 2012 ©Getty Images

Following the continental event, scheduled for the University of Bath’s Claverton Down Campus from August 18 to 23, Pentathlon GB will focus upon extending their record of winning a female medal every time the event has been contested on the Olympic programme.

This follows gold for Stephanie Cooke at Sydney 2000, silvers for Heather Fell at Beijing 2008 and Samantha Murray at London 2012, and bronzes for Kate Allenby at Sydney 2000 and for Georgina Harland at Athens 2004.

They will also seek a first men's medal since team bronze at Seoul 1988.

“We are delighted to be working with some of the world’s best Pentathletes during such an exciting time for the sport," added AVPE managing director, Mark Summers.

"We find it fascinating how these athletes manage their time in order to train at such a high level for five different disciplines.

"We are looking forward to visiting the National Training Centre at the University of Bath to explore the world class training facilities and hear from the athletes themselves.”