This edition was the first to feature the new Grand Prix format , consisting in nine events , three in each weapon , men and women fencing together . World Cup and Grand Prix competitions were spread over ten months instead of six . The calendar overhaul was designed to allow more time for the athletes to train and rest as well as to increase media visibility . The season saw the opening of the qualifying path for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro . The first competition counting for Olympic qualification was held on the 2 and 3 May for all three weapons , an event dubbed as the " super weekend " in Italy . The season was also marked by the FIE 's cancellation of the men 's sabre Dakar World Cup , due to take place on the 1 and 2 November 2014 , as a preventive measure because of the Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa . In February 2015 , the French delegation withdrew at the last minute from the women 's foil World Cup in Algiers because of protests over the depiction of Muhammad after the Charlie Hebdo shooting
Charlie Hebdo shooting
Charlie Hebdo shooting
2014–15 Fencing World Cup