2026 Lombardia Trophy: General Info and Pregame Chat

[figureskatingandrainbows]

I think a lot of skaters who went to the Olympics and usually go to Lombardia, like Ilia, Shun, and a lot of the European skaters, are taking a slower start to the season because of Olympic fatigue. Yuma's on a gap year, Kaori's retired, and most of the other Japanese skaters are affiliated with Kinoshita and are thus choosing to do their brand-affiliated home Challenger instead of Lombardia. It makes sense that the field's not as deep, but it is a shame because the fan turnout and vibes at Lombardia are always amazing.

 

[removof]

Why aren't there any other Russians?

 

[DemTuppesSeine]

I think a lot of skaters who went to the Olympics and usually go to Lombardia, like Ilia, Shun, and a lot of the European skaters, are taking a slower start to the season because of Olympic fatigue. Yuma's on a gap year, Kaori's retired, and most of the other Japanese skaters are affiliated with Kinoshita and are thus choosing to do their brand-affiliated home Challenger instead of Lombardia. It makes sense that the field's not as deep, but it is a shame because the fan turnout and vibes at Lombardia are always amazing.

Japanese fed is fully locked in on Kinoshita. The only other Challenger they would send skaters to is Golden Spin I think. And they wanted to send some to Challenge Cup in the Netherlands, but that has just been cancelled.

 

[Kiki5375]

Why aren't there any other Russians?

That's unexpected too. Thought they would flood the early challengers to earn rankingpoints as soon as possible

 

[AlexBreeze]

That's unexpected too. Thought they would flood the early challengers to earn rankingpoints as soon as possible

Participating in early challenges was only worth to get on the alternate list. It’s also important to get a good SB to qualify for the next season's GP (but in this case, it also doesn’t matter whether they do it earlier or later).

 

[Kiki5375]

Participating in early challenges was only worth to get on the alternate list. It’s also important to get a good SB to qualify for the next season's GP (but in this case, it also doesn’t matter whether they do it earlier or later).

Yes but do only the few who compete in Japan want a spot on the Alternate list? What about Valieva for example?

As for the other nations... maybe the big names keep it easy this season and only focus on GPs and the big events.

 

[AlexBreeze]

Yes but do only the few who compete in Japan want a spot on the Alternate list? What about Valieva for example?

I think they want to see Valieva at test skates that are clashing with the Challenger. I'd expect AINs at the next four Challengers (or three ones, not sure about visas for Nepela).

 

[Ivana]

I think they want to see Valieva at test skates that are clashing with the Challenger. I'd expect AINs at the next four Challengers (or three ones, not sure about visas for Nepela).

Without going political, I would just say, I would be extremly surprised if any AINs had issues obtaining visas for Nepela if they chose to compete there...

 

[AlexBreeze]

Without going political, I would just say, I would be extremly surprised if any AINs had issues obtaining visas for Nepela if they chose to compete there...

Thank you, I wasn’t aware of the situation there. That was just an assumption.

 

[TontoK]

Last year was such an anticipated event. An early season showdown between Ilia and Yuma.

This season, not so much. But there are still some interesting skaters.

 

[FlossieH]

Those entries are very disappointing, especially women and pairs. 12 women, and just 4 pairs. Are their even enough pairs for it to count for things like ISU SB? I know that they have the minimum two countries, but don't they also need a minimum number of entries?

 

[DemTuppesSeine]

Pairs is not part of the Challenger event, just like last year. Last year it was mainly an Icelab team competition, and we have lost a few of those...Hocke/Kunkel moved to Berlin, Conti/Macii and Ghilardi/Ambrosini split, Beccari/Guarise - status unknown...

 

[FlossieH]

Pairs is not part of the Challenger event, just like last year. Last year it was mainly an Icelab team competition, and we have lost a few of those...Hocke/Kunkel moved to Berlin, Conti/Macii and Ghilardi/Ambrosini split, Beccari/Guarise - status unknown...

That makes more sense. I was really surprised at there only being 4 pairs for a Challenger event!

 

[DemTuppesSeine]

Nebelhorn is greatly profiting from being the first pairs Challenger event in Europe, so I can't complain about it we had more than 15 teams last year, I'm hoping for something similar this time

 

[Paulixiaa]

Nebelhorn is greatly profiting from being the first pairs Challenger event in Europe, so I can't complain about it we had more than 15 teams last year, I'm hoping for something similar this time

Next year I’m coming to Nebelhorn

 

[DemTuppesSeine]

Do that! The rink is quite nice, not too cold (especially when it's crowded), you can take anything inside...they don't even check your bags. Oberstdorf is just really expensive accomodation-wise.

 

[Paulixiaa]

Do that! The rink is quite nice, not too cold (especially when it's crowded), you can take anything inside...they don't even check your bags. Oberstdorf is just really expensive accomodation-wise.

Yes, I just look up at booking and definitely cannot afford additional trip this year Unless we’ll sleep in the car

 

[Paulixiaa]

I am also wondering about Zagreb Golden Spin, I think the entry is free? But defo will wait for the lists first