The Internationaux de France is a prominent figure skating competition held annually in France. It is part of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series, a prestigious series of international competitions that take place during the autumn months. THe Internationaux de France will be held Nov 01 - Nov 03, 2024 in Angers, France

Here are some key aspects of the Internationaux de France:

History and Background:

  • Inception: The event was first held in 1987, originally known as the "Lalique Trophy" after its sponsor. It later became the "Trophée Eric Bompard" and eventually was renamed the "Internationaux de France."
  • ISU Grand Prix: It is one of the six events in the ISU Grand Prix series, which includes competitions in the United States, Canada, China, Japan, and Russia, culminating in the Grand Prix Final.

Competition Structure:

  • Categories: The competition features four main categories:
    • Men's singles
    • Ladies' singles
    • Pair skating
    • Ice dance
  • Participants: Top skaters from around the world are invited based on their international rankings and performances in previous competitions.

Judging and Scoring:

  • Technical and Artistic: Skaters are judged on technical elements (jumps, spins, lifts) and program components (interpretation, performance, choreography).
  • Short Program and Free Skate: Each category consists of a short program and a free skate, with scores from both segments combined to determine the overall winners.

Significance:

  • Qualification: The Internationaux de France is an important qualifier for the Grand Prix Final, where the top skaters from the series compete for the championship.
  • Exposure: It offers skaters significant exposure and the opportunity to gain international experience and rankings.

Recent Developments:

  • Venue: The competition is typically held in various cities across France, such as Paris and Grenoble.
  • COVID-19 Impact: Like many sporting events, the competition faced disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic but has resumed with health and safety protocols in place.

The Internationaux de France is celebrated for its high level of competition and the opportunity it provides for skaters to perform on an international stage, contributing to the rich tradition and popularity of figure skating globally.