Ireland’s Sive Brassil is eager to test herself against the world’s best and again get to grips with Modern Pentathlon’s testing new format when she kicks off the second World Cup of the season in Hungary.

Brassil and compatriot Hanna D’Aughton are Ireland’s representatives at UIPM 2022 World Cup Budapest which runs from Tuesday to Sunday May 1 in the Hungarian capital with the Women’s Qualification taking place Wednesday.

The demanding new format, created by UIPM for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, features elimination at each round and just 18 athletes making it to the individual finals. Brassil got her first competitive taste of the brave new world in Cairo last month at the season’s opening World Cup when she impressively progressed to the semi-finals only to narrowly miss out on a final spot. Budapest offers a chance to continue her growth both into the 2022 campaign and with the format.

“I’m really looking forward to competing in Budapest this week. It’s another opportunity to familiarise myself with the new format and see how my fitness and training are coming along. I hope to improve on my result from the first World Cup and make it to the last 18,” the 28-year-old said.

“It has certainly been a challenge to adapt to the condensed competition format and extra days of competing but so far I am enjoying a fresh challenge. I think the new format will suit me in the long run.”

With the season about to kick up a gear over the next two months, the World No. 31 has focused on an improved performance on the piste in Budapest.

“I’m hoping to improve on my fencing from the last World Cup,” added Brassil. “I have worked hard on it, especially in the last few weeks so I am looking forward to seeing what I can do this week.”

Just weeks after her 20th birthday, D’Aughton will make her senior World Cup debut alongside Brassil in the Hungarian capital. The Cork native was hugely impressive in her first senior competition earlier this year when she finished in the top 30 in the final of the Hungarian Indoor International in February and will hope for more of the same on her return to the country.

UIPM 2022 World Cup Budapest takes place from April 26 to May 1.

For more information please contact info@pentathlon.ie.