Modern pentathlon to trial ‘James Bond meets Krypton Factor’ 45-minute race

• Proposal designed to help sport grow in US market
• Leading official says new format will be exciting and successful'

Modern pentathlon is to trial a radical new 45-minute format which will be like James Bond meets the Krypton Factor" as part of plans to transform the event after discarding show jumping in favour of obstacle racing, the Guardian can reveal.

The proposal, which would involve minimal breaks between a fencing element followed by swimming, obstacle racing and laser gun events, is designed to tap into the US market and give the sport a far bigger presence on the global stage.