2025-26 Grand Prix assignments released

[yuumagical]

Beccarri/Guarise were in the same situation (actually even a bit better, because they still are in the top 24 in World Standing) and they got nothing. Guess they didn't use the comeback rule and/or got screwed over by how small the Grand Prix pairs field is. Pairs is the only discipline where skaters regularly don't get their guaranteed GP spot (This season, for example, two pairs in the top 24 in World Standing got nothing, last year it was one).

Hopefully the pairs will go back to 10 total spots per Grand Prix after this season is over. That would ensure that top 24 teams would get their rightful spots...

 

[Jumping_Bean]

Hopefully the pairs will go back to 10 total spots per Grand Prix after this season is over. That would ensure that top 24 teams would get their rightful spots...

Pairs hasn't had 10 spots per Grand Prix in the whole time the IJS has been a thing, and the ISU won't be keen to make it a thing in the future either (as that would require an additional warm-up group and ice resurfacing). Honestly, it's probably because the field is very stacked right now - Yes, the top of the field might not be quite as dominant as in past cycles, but the mid-field is much denser than at other times, and that reflects in the GP assignments, with lots of pairs only getting one GP spot (or none).

 

[paulusfr]

As many I noticed that Zhang/Huang and Kovalevs are not (yet) assigned for their host grand prix. I have a little theory and that's possibly due to the fact that they don't want to go head to head against their direct competition for an olympic ticket inside of the country. (Which could very well be a madeup nonsense and both will be assigned later)

 

[4everchan]

As many I noticed that Zhang/Huang and Kovalevs are not (yet) assigned for their host grand prix. I have a little theory and that's possibly due to the fact that they don't want to go head to head against their direct competition for an olympic ticket inside of the country. (Which could very well be a madeup nonsense and both will be assigned later)

I think Zhang/Huang have very little chance to compete for a spot at the games considering the return of Sui-Han

 

[FlossieH]

Beccarri/Guarise were in the same situation (actually even a bit better, because they still are in the top 24 in World Standing) and they got nothing. Guess they didn't use the comeback rule and/or got screwed over by how small the Grand Prix pairs field is. Pairs is the only discipline where skaters regularly don't get their guaranteed GP spot (This season, for example, two pairs in the top 24 in World Standing got nothing, last year it was one).

The Chinese pair moving up from juniors don't have a spot either, despite their JGPF medal. They have aged out of juniors. Also, it looks like Flores/Wang have a host spot and not the one from their JGPF medal.

 

[FlossieH]

As many I noticed that Zhang/Huang and Kovalevs are not (yet) assigned for their host grand prix. I have a little theory and that's possibly due to the fact that they don't want to go head to head against their direct competition for an olympic ticket inside of the country. (Which could very well be a madeup nonsense and both will be assigned later)

France still need to qualify an Olympic spot in pairs. That won't be easy because there are only three spots available at the Beijing qualifier.

 

[4everchan]

The Chinese pair moving up from juniors don't have a spot either, despite their JGPF medal. They have aged out of juniors.

don't they have finlandia ?

 

[yuumagical]

Pairs hasn't had 10 spots per Grand Prix in the whole time the IJS has been a thing, and the ISU won't be keen to make it a thing in the future either (as that would require an additional warm-up group and ice resurfacing). Honestly, it's probably because the field is very stacked right now - Yes, the top of the field might not be quite as dominant as in past cycles, but the mid-field is much denser than at other times, and that reflects in the GP assignments, with lots of pairs only getting one GP spot (or none).

Please excuse my ignorance, I had thought that those spots had disappeared during Covid. It does make sense, knowing how much danger is inherent in pairs skating, for it to have smaller warmup groups than in ice dance.

I admittedly miss the days of more top-level pairs teams, but it isn't as if the mid-level teams aren't worthy of being watched; they still bring their own type of excitement with them. I simply hope more of them can be seen on the Grand Prix (and there's still some TBD slots...). Perhaps more Challenger events for pairs would help?

 

[4everchan]

Please excuse my ignorance, I had thought that those spots had disappeared during Covid. It does make sense, knowing how much danger is inherent in pairs skating, for it to have smaller warmup groups than in ice dance.

I admittedly miss the days of more top-level pairs teams, but it isn't as if the mid-level teams aren't worthy of being watched; they still bring their own type of excitement with them. I simply hope more of them can be seen on the Grand Prix (and there's still some TBD slots...). Perhaps more Challenger events for pairs would help?

Pairs field is quite crowded right now IMHO...
To have a team win worlds one year only finish in 5th the following year means that it's not that easy out there on the ice.

 

[paulusfr]

I think Zhang/Huang have very little chance to compete for a spot at the games considering the return of Sui-Han.

Btw I just looked at their ISU Bio and it says that Wenjing Sui was their choreographer. This is wild!

The Chinese pair moving up from juniors don't have a spot either, despite their JGPF medal. They have aged out of juniors. Also, it looks like Flores/Wang have a host spot and not the one from their JGPF medal.

Last year's Grand Prix announcement states:

2. DESIGNATION OF THE SKATERS
2.2. Invited Skaters/Couples
e) Medallists from the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships 2024 and gold medallists from the ISU Junior Grand Prix Final 2023/24 will be included in the selection process.

Flores/Wang placed 2nd.

France still need to qualify an Olympic spot in pairs. That won't be easy because there are only three spots available at the Beijing qualifier.

For the Team event they don't have to, as far as I understand.

 

[norwegianfairytale]

Beccarri/Guarise were in the same situation (actually even a bit better, because they still are in the top 24 in World Standing) and they got nothing. Guess they didn't use the comeback rule and/or got screwed over by how small the Grand Prix pairs field is. Pairs is the only discipline where skaters regularly don't get their guaranteed GP spot (This season, for example, two pairs in the top 24 in World Standing got nothing, last year it was one).

Is it possible that B/G could have gotten a spot but declined due to possible still being injured, or do we know that they are back in training?

 

[DemTuppesSeine]

Is it possible that B/G could have gotten a spot but declined due to possible still being injured, or do we know that they are back in training?

Lucrezia posted a video on her insta recently which is suspected to be from this year, but nobody really knows.

 

[FlossieH]

don't they have finlandia ?

So they do! I couldn't see for looking!

 

[TontoK]

Pairs field is quite crowded right now IMHO...
To have a team win worlds one year only finish in 5th the following year means that it's not that easy out there on the ice.

This is the most surprising development (for me) in skating over the past 15 years or so. Well, maybe not the density of the competition, but how interesting the event is now.

Used to be that I hardly watched pairs competitions after the birth of IJS. At most I'd watch the final group, and more often I'd rely on a heads-up from internet friends if a program was worth watching - otherwise I skipped altogether. Overall, it was so boring. I think pairs have FINALLY learned how to incorporate the elements into programs that are compelling.

 

[Tutto]

This is the most surprising development (for me) in skating over the past 15 years or so. Well, maybe not the density of the competition, but how interesting the event is now.

Used to be that I hardly watched pairs competitions after the birth of IJS. At most I'd watch the final group, and more often I'd rely on a heads-up from internet friends if a program was worth watching - otherwise I skipped altogether. Overall, it was so boring. I think pairs have FINALLY learned how to incorporate the elements into programs that are compelling.

I do not find current pairs programs differ that much from lets 8 -12 years ago. What makes pairs more interesting IMHO is with the departure of the Russians, the podium is not pre-determined anymore.

 

[lariko]

I would say that it was the random infusions of the Russians who previously didn't get a shot at international comps that at least partially made the podiums contest more interesting and more flags familiar. Overall though, the exclusion of say, Kovalevs from GP doesn't bother me in the slightest.

 

[Tutto]

I would say that it was the random infusions of the Russians who previously didn't get a shot at international comps that at least partially made the podiums contest more interesting and more flags familiar. Overall though, the exclusion of say, Kovalevs from GP doesn't bother me in the slightest.

More likely the combination of both factors

 

[macy]

pairs is going to be FUN this season. i'm so excited!!

 

[Jammers]

Anyone else getting tired of these teams that haven't competed since the last Olympics or even years earlier like the Shibs and S/H deciding to return to competition who haven't had to put in the work that these other teams have been doing for the last few years?

 

[Kittosuni]

I guess the ISU somehow "forgot" that Loena Hendrickx competed last year at the Shanghai Trophy as she really wasn't eligible for the comeback-rule, or was she?

This is why there is so little integrity in this sport because blatant manipulation, bias and favoritism reeks from top to bottom and unfortunately fans(at times including me) are complicit with it.

It's just a realization that we're still so far from heaving a fair sport.

This is in no way Hendrickx's fault. In fact I hope she comes back heathy and qualify for the olympics and win a medal. I do think that when she is on, she is way well rounded skater than most of the favorites right now.