2026-27 Russian Women's Figure Skating

[AlexBreeze]

Sorry I'm new to the international system. I did some research and I realize I mixed up Challenger / GP events and also didn't realize the difference in junior and senior assignment rules.

No problem!

Regarding senior GPs, it's also up to three from one country.

If some ladies score a huge SB this season (for example, at Challengers), they could be invited to GP next season. And, of course, the top 12 finish at Worlds guarantees two GP stages next year.

 

[lariko]

There are 3 spots per Challenger but there are a lot of Challengers. All senior women from the national team (who are not injured) will definitely get events.

This is what I meant, yes. Hopefully not too confusing! I am hoping to either buy streams or watch alt streams for Challengers that are maxed out on Russians in all disciplines which makes Challenger series really fresh this year for me. In my view, it's not the type of the event that makes it the most competitive, it's the line-up, even though for the athletes the prestige lies with big comps.

 

[AlexBreeze]

Lyubov Rubtsova new season SP


Veronika Yametova new season SP


Varvara Vodopianova new season SP
https://youtu.be/82VgYn6cEdc

 

[Mathematician]

Are any of the challenger events likely to interfere with senior test skates?

 

[AlexBreeze]

Are any of the challenger events likely to interfere with senior test skates?

Yes, Lombardia Trophy is at the same time.

 

[lariko]

Are any of the challenger events likely to interfere with senior test skates?

You can see all the dates for challenger events in order here:

2026-27 ISU Figure Skating Challenger Series

Follow the 2026–27 Figure Skating Challenger Series, including competition news, results, entries, schedules, standings, and discussions.

www.goldenskate.com

 

[Mathematician]

Yes, Lombardia Trophy is at the same time.

You can see all the dates for challenger events in order here:

2026-27 ISU Figure Skating Challenger Series

Follow the 2026–27 Figure Skating Challenger Series, including competition news, results, entries, schedules, standings, and discussions.

www.goldenskate.com

Indeed. I wonder what are the chances they can avoid sending national members to this one. It would just be an enormous shame, if we were missing a lot of skaters at test skates.

I was afraid, that this AIN business will be a burden on the domestic scene.

 

[lariko]

It won't be a burden, it will return the RGP to what it originally was -- an internal competiton circuit that was a qualification track for the nationals for those who weren't already in international team. It allowed different skaters to medal. So, it will improve domestic scene and we will be watching more vibrant and diverse competitions in both tiers.

 

[AlexBreeze]

Indeed. I wonder what are the chances they can avoid sending national members to this one. It would just be an enormous shame, if we were missing a lot of skaters at test skates.

I was afraid, that this AIN business will be a burden on the domestic scene.

Last time Rus Skaters competed internationally, there was the same situation with Lombardia Trophy, and they chose to not send anyone. But not sure it's a good idea now.

 

[lariko]

Last time Rus Skaters competed internationally, there was the same situation with Lombardia Trophy, and they chose to not send anyone. But not sure it's a good idea now.

I would be surprised to see them miss a single challenger

 

[Mathematician]

Lyubov Rubtsova new season SP


Veronika Yametova new season SP


Varvara Vodopianova new season SP
https://youtu.be/82VgYn6cEdc

Actually, I have great hope in this Yametova program.

Last time Rus Skaters competed internationally, there was the same situation with Lombardia Trophy, and they chose to not send anyone. But not sure it's a good idea now.

I mean, there are some names they could send, that are not on the national team. For example, Yametova, Sinitsyna, Kulikova, Lyashenko. Maybe a Vazhnova or Agaeva. It could be a solid opportunity to send a few wild-card skaters, why not? This is not illogical, but, my question is just whether RusFed cares enough to save the test skates or not...

I imagine they will set up the GP in such a way, that it will be like a normal season, and the skaters will simply go internationally when they aren't competing domestically. However, I also realize that with how difficult travel and planning will be, that we might have some problems...

 

[Jeanie19]

I would be surprised to see them miss a single challenger

They missed Cranberry Cup.

 

[Mathematician]

They missed Cranberry Cup.

Admission to America must be very difficult.

Italy much easier.

 

[AxelLover]

Mazia Mazur full SP


Kseniia Sinitsyna full SP


Sofia Vagina full SP
https://youtu.be/msqoJDYC3pE

I liked Kseniia's program and performance. Too bad she's probably never gonna get rid of the URs.

 

[AlexBreeze]

It won't be a burden, it will return the RGP to what it originally was -- an internal competiton circuit that was a qualification track for the nationals for those who weren't already in international team. It allowed different skaters to medal. So, it will improve domestic scene and we will be watching more vibrant and diverse competitions in both tiers.

So far CS series doesn't give a bye to nationals, by the way.

I mean, there are some names they could send, that are not on the national team. For example, Yametova, Sinitsyna, Kulikova, Lyashenko. Maybe a Vazhnova or Agaeva. It could be a solid opportunity to send a few wild-card skaters, why not?

Lyashenko is already in pairs.

RusFed doesn't fund any events for skaters outside of the national team. So it depends on these ladies if they have a desire to go. I think AoP might try to send someone to a B event.

This is not illogical, but, my question is just whether RusFed cares enough to save the test skates or not...

Test Skates became a big event with money and audience. Last season they made Gumennik and Petrosian skating there right after Skate Milano. IMO, they care.

I would be surprised to see them miss a single challenger

They have already missed Cranberry. Yes, that's a early August, difficul travel, etc. But that was a great opportunity to get a GP spot. At least, in men's.

 

[Jontor]

No problem!

Regarding senior GPs, it's also up to three from one country.

If some ladies score a huge SB this season (for example, at Challengers), they could be invited to GP next season. And, of course, the top 12 finish at Worlds guarantees two GP stages next year.

And... if someone wins an early Challenger this year, they should be eligible to be on the Alternate List for GP's this season...no?

 

[Jontor]

You can see all the dates for challenger events in order here:

2026-27 ISU Figure Skating Challenger Series

Follow the 2026–27 Figure Skating Challenger Series, including competition news, results, entries, schedules, standings, and discussions.

www.goldenskate.com

I prefer to use Wikipedia on this. They have a schedule for the whole figure skating season that gives you all the info you need.

2026–27 figure skating season - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Jontor]

Last time Rus Skaters competed internationally, there was the same situation with Lombardia Trophy, and they chose to not send anyone. But not sure it's a good idea now.

However, I would not be surprised if Lombardia happens without any Russian skaters...

Maybe they can send like Nelyubova? She won't be at Test Skates, right?

 

[lariko]

They missed Cranberry Cup.

It was probably way too short of a notice to prep a full team for this early in the season. Wish they did though, because the line up is very open to getting the coveted gold.

 

[AlexBreeze]

Maybe they can send like Nelyubova? She won't be at Test Skates, right?

Why? She is on the national team.