Performance factors in the new combined event of modern pentathlon

International audienceTo determine the individual tactics employed by elite modern pentathletes within each discipline of the new combined running-shooting event, and the consequences of these strategies on the overall performance. 36 male pentathletes competing in a world cup event, where running velocity, transition time, shooting time, shooting accuracy and delay per shot were measured. Performances of the top third pentathletes (TOP), the middle third pentathletes (MIDDLE) and the bottom third pentathletes in the combined event (BOTTOM) were compared. The difference in overall performance between TOP and MIDDLE/BOTTOM was predominately associated with a better shooting accuracy (79 ± 13%, 68 ± 12% and 64 ± 10% success rate, for TOP, MIDDLE, BOTTOM, respectively) and a quicker shooting time (86 ± 16s, 109 ± 19s and 117 ± 23s, for the TOP, MIDDLE, BOTTOM, respectively). No significant difference was observed on running velocity, transition time and delay per shot among the three groups. All the competitors started significantly faster over the first 200 m of each of the three 1 km running stages. The last third of the approximately 3km race was completed significantly faster by all pentathletes (p < 0.05). The main finding was that the best performers of the combined event distinguished themselves due to their greater shooting accuracy