Record delegation take part in World Modern Pentathlon Coaches Conference

British Eventing’s performance director Yogi Breisner was one of the speakers at the conference ©Pentathlon GB

Pentathlon GB’s performance director Jan Bartu was one of several speakers at the annual World Modern Pentathlon Coaches Conference which took place in Manchester from November 7 to 8.

A record delegation attended the two-day conference which aimed to provide countries, and coaches of all levels, with an opportunity to share best practices, as well as bonding outside of the competition environment.

“The idea behind the conference is to bring together as many coaches and interested parties from around the world to one place, once a year, and to share each other’s experiences,” Bartu said.

“The conference also provides the opportunity to be in a non-competitive environment together, the season is long and there is a lot of pressure, so at the end of the year people should have the opportunity to refocus and talk about how we can develop the sport.

“We have managed to move the bar up again this year and I’m hopeful the International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM) will take this event forward, so it is not only driven by Pentathlon GB but the UIPM as well.

“I think there is a good platform and we have already established a tradition; now it is time to take it to another level.”

In addition to hearing from coaches involved in modern pentathlon, British Dressage’s performance manager Richard Waywood and British Eventing’s performance director Yogi Breisner were also speakers at the conference.

Psychiatrist Dr Steve Peters held a question and answer session during the conference ©GB Pentathlon

The pair provided their input on the importance of basic flatwork skills when jumping and discussed techniques on getting to know an unfamiliar horse.

The topics of modern pentathlon development, tapering for competitions and fencing skills were also covered by the delegates present.

Renowned psychiatrist Dr Steve Peters, who has been praised for helping cyclists Sir Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton on route to their Olympic titles, was another high profile speaker on the final day of the event.

Peters delivered a session based on his book the Chimp Paradox, before holding a question and answer session for the delegates.

“There has been a fantastic balance of speakers and there are people here who will appeal to a wider audience,” Bartu said following the conclusion of the conference.

“We had coaches from grass roots in the sport to coaches at elite level and the content covered most of the areas that are appealing for everybody.”