Test Event and Some

Just had a brilliant weekend at Crystal Palace. 144 competitors, even more supporters, volunteers, officials, bosses, consultants, UIPM officials all enjoyed the NEW Crystal Palace that was bathed in sunshine for most of the weekend that saw the GBR National Tetrathlon test the facilities to be used in August for the World Championships. Me, the Pent-ster met Rae, Iris, Seb and Mauro from UIPM. I almost met Joel as well. I have fans at the UIPM in Monaco as I have seen my name on their website. Now they know they met me and hopefully won't have a clue about the real me. Ha Ha!

The new shooting range (never call it a shooting gallery as it upsets the boss) was the star of the weekend. It took hours to put together but didn't it look good. All that pristine glistening aluminium in the sunshine. Designed to the last millimetre and state of the art. Has anybody else gone to this much trouble to produce the perfect range. The new UIPM targets landed in UK for the first time with all the latest mods. and their designer Seb on board. They worked OK but I think a few more will be needed by August.

Fencing took all day and looked well organised. A big Hungarian man in charge should stop any arguments on the big day. It was Tamas Varga who is very friendly helpful man that everyone is pleased to have around. Istvan Utczás was there to support the superb Cardsys software, UK is now almost his second home. The special realtionship between UK and Hungary is growing folks. The swimming ran smoothly and including the first use of the new timing equipment where everyone learnt as they went. Still no slip ups. Young Jackie had itchy fingers as she has now handed the Swim event over to Les Debenham.

Piece by Piece the Story unfolds

Click on picture to enlarge.

Sneaked another visit to Crystal Palace. I just cannot stay away now. In fact I get there that often "Security" think I work there which saves climbing the wall after dark!! It gets better every time and we now know that the National Tetrathlon 25/26 April will be the very first use of the refurbished pool and facilities. I like Crystal Palace. There are 144 entries for the Nat Tet (from Bath mole agent) and so it is to be a very good test. The site for the combined event in the athletics stadium is looking pristine almost manicured.

Pool lane ropes have been test fitted, the timing equipment has been commissioned and boy was I lucky, the new big display in the pool was on the day I was there. It showed the World Championships promo video plus lots of other brilliant stuff. The new swim start blocks have a reaction timer built in that can be shown on the display. The block surface is very high friction and the little ramp at the back should give everyone a brill start.

The fencing salle is all but ready and the multi game lines have all been affixed and the floor looks so good it seems a shame to walk on it.

I am sorry to disappoint but news on the shooting gallery is very thin on the ground. I know it has had a trial construction but I missed it. All I can now say is it sounds ever so exciting and is sure to be a knock out when it arrives. You can't get the right moles, you know.

The Pent-ster will be working on the inside at the National Tetrathlon so watch out for the hot gossip. I am hoping that it will be a feast.