Cambridge Pentathletes built bridges, crossed ‘explosive areas,’ crawled through tunnels, fenced each other and challenged limits in last weekend’s army training camp. The camp was to help prepare Cambridge University Modern Pentathlon Club (CUMPC) for the annual Varsity Match in April.

“I thought it would be an excellent way of starting pentathlon training for the term,” explained Anna Craig-McQuaide, CUMPC Riding Officer. “And that it would be great fun!”

Pentathlon is a five-event sport involving swimming, shooting, fencing, running and show jumping. However, this training camp saw the unusual inclusion of command tasks and circuits ran by the Cambridge University Officer Training Corps (CUOTC).

Most athletes described the camp as exhausting. The weekend involved intensive shooting and running, an aggressive bout of swimming, several hours of fencing and some cheeky horse riding.

Lt Col Pollington, Commanding Officer of CUOTC, said the army was delighted to host CUMPC. “The current head of the army, General Sir Peter Wall (Selwyn) is himself a former captain of CUMPC,” explained Pollington.

“The army is also associated with top level sport. Presently, it has around 50 elite sportsmen and women (including disabled competitors) preparing for London 2012. This year the army, through the OTC, has offered its support to a number of CU sports clubs,” Pollington said.

During the course athletes were required to work together to build bridges, solve riddles and perform perilous balancing exercises. Members of the OTC shouted advice and gave feedback.

“Command tasks are designed to generate team-building and cohesion,” said Pollington. “For pentathletes (whose sport was developed by the army based on its events…) this training is especially useful.”

“The command tasks at the OTC were completely new, and challenged me to communicate and work effectively with team members,” said Craig-McQuaide.

After command tasks, swimming, shooting and circuits on Saturday, Cambridge pentathletes returned for Sunday fencing.

Two alumni, David Garforth-Bles and Jervis Rhodes, coached the session. An hour of footwork was finished with an hour of stabbing and precise fencing.

CUMPC athletes say they feel more prepared than ever for the Varsity Match against Oxford in April.

“There is huge potential in the Cambridge team this year combined with the incredible support of a close squad,” said Laura Plant, CUMPC President. She is feeling positive about the forthcoming Varsity event: “I am confident that we can blow Oxford out of the water”.