Laurence Fournier-Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron won the Grand Prix of France. Reactions after their programs.
Reactions after the rhythm dance
Guillaume: “I think we were not far from a perfect program, until I put my knee down in the choreo step. That’s part of the game in ice dance, this kind of mistake costs a lot of points, five or six, maybe more. I’m a bit disappointed; it was a silly error, but it’s a good lesson for the next competitions.
I don’t know exactly what happened; I’ll need to watch the video. Everything went so fast. We were the first to skate on brand-new ice, whereas in training we usually share the rink with five other couples. The glide is then different, less fast. On knee slides, the feeling changes, and I should have anticipated that better. That said, I can’t say for sure that it was because of that.
There’s a lot of technicality in what we do, and when you reach the choreo step, the last element, you tend to let go a little more. I probably gave too much intensity at that moment.”
Laurence: “As athletes, we’re used to looking ahead. It was the first time we performed this program. The feeling was good. Guillaume was inspired by Jean-Paul Gaultier for my costume. We wanted to evoke the corset worn by Madonna, to be even more into character.”
Reactions after the free dance
Guillaume: “We experienced a magical moment with all the supporters who were there. We really felt their energy, and we wanted to show all the work we’ve put into this program that we truly love. We’re very happy with our performance. We were both eager and a bit anxious to compete together for the first time at such a big event, and there was no better place to do it than in France. It had a very special meaning after being away from the circuit for some time. After such a short time skating together, and after so many years away from competition, I’m very proud of us.
We gave a lot of intensity and felt a lot of emotions, before, during, and after our performance. Despite the small mistake in the rhythm dance, we felt very good in both programs. That’s what we were aiming for in this first competition: not only technical precision but also the connection and the magic that come with it. There’s always some apprehension, a mix of fear and excitement, but thanks to our experience and the energy we share, we manage to let go and truly step into our characters, into the magic of the moment. Before going on the ice, there’s always a brief instant of total anxiety, it’s something you learn to handle and that builds mental strength over time.
We’ve made great progress since the French Masters especially in the free dance. Every movement has been thought through and refined, allowing us a sense of freedom and flow that helps us move beyond the technical aspect. We’re looking forward to polishing every detail and making the rhythm dance even more our own.”
Laurence: “We gave it our all. It’s the kind of program we wish would never end. We were very emotional. We really felt the audience’s energy, and it carried us. It was a truly memorable moment.
We’re both very intense and emotional people, and we drew from that sensitivity.
With the perspective we gained from stepping away from the international scene, we now appreciate every moment even more, no matter what happened the day before. We try to turn the page when needed, or simply savor every instant connected to our sport, whether on or off the ice.
Regarding the score, we knew we skated well and didn’t make any technical mistakes. We came off the ice satisfied. Romain jumped for joy in the Kiss & Cry, he was really happy. That sets the bar high for the rest of the season, and we’ll keep working to go even further.”
Solène Mathieu - Skate Info Glace
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