Formula of the competition

40 fencers  
2 poules: rounds
 
Round No 1
40 fencers
8 poules of 5
Separation by : regions
40 qualifiers
 
Round No 2
40 fencers
6 poules (4 poules of 7, 2 poules of 6)
Separation by : regions
32 qualifiers
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Direct elimination : 32 fencers
 
Direct tableau