Analysis
A last minute team for this weekend's Challenger Series
Analysis
A last minute team for this weekend's Challenger Series
"We were unprepared to compete this weekend, [but] we decided to accept the challenge," explained Team Mystique. (Credits: Ville Vairinen - 2021)
After Poland and the Netherlands, the third stage of the Challenger Series of synchronized skating will start on Saturday in the big Gatorade Center in Turku.
Finland will host the third stage of the Challenger Series on Saturday and Sunday, although the Finnish health institute estimated on Tuesday that Omicron infections would peak in the country within weeks rather than months, according to Reuters.
Despite the multiple cancellations of teams, the organizing committee of the Marie Lundmark Trophy confirmed to Jura Synchro earlier this week that the competition will take place. According to our sources, the event will be held without spectators. Five Junior teams, five Senior teams and 7 Advanced Novice teams will compete this weekend.
Finnish strengthsDespite the multiple cancellations of teams, the organizing committee of the Marie Lundmark Trophy confirmed to Jura Synchro earlier this week that the competition will take place. According to our sources, the event will be held without spectators. Five Junior teams, five Senior teams and 7 Advanced Novice teams will compete this weekend.
As for the two previous stages, this is good news for the teams who will be able to present the fruit of their work and feel (a bit of) a competitive atmosphere.
If Russian teams dominated the first two Challenger Series competitions - Tatarstan at the Hevelius Cup or Team Paradise in the Netherlands - this new competition will have a completely different configuraton.
If Russian teams dominated the first two Challenger Series competitions - Tatarstan at the Hevelius Cup or Team Paradise in the Netherlands - this new competition will have a completely different configuraton.
Indeed, if the Junost Senior team promises to be a serious competitor, several excellent teams (who will also be skating at home) will face it.
After the unfortunate withdrawal of Marigold IceUnity due to Covid, the Helsinki Rockettes, Team Unique, and Dream Edges are ready to take the top spots! And not to forget the Swiss team Starlight, who flew to Finland on Thursday morning.
Team Mystique, the last minute guestAfter the unfortunate withdrawal of Marigold IceUnity due to Covid, the Helsinki Rockettes, Team Unique, and Dream Edges are ready to take the top spots! And not to forget the Swiss team Starlight, who flew to Finland on Thursday morning.
In the Junior category, team Gold Ice will be the only North American representative and will be taking full advantage of the trip. The Canadian skaters were able to train in Espoo on Wednesday and seem to be in great shape.
With two more Russian teams and two Finnish teams, the level will be high in the Juniors!
The Finnish team Team Mystique confirmed on Wednesday that it would also participate in the event after the withdrawal of Dream Edges Junior due to a positive COVID-19 test, the organizing committee explained. "Even though we have suffered Covid infections lately and were unprepared to compete this weekend, we decided to accept the challenge," wrote the team.
The Finnish team Team Mystique confirmed on Wednesday that it would also participate in the event after the withdrawal of Dream Edges Junior due to a positive COVID-19 test, the organizing committee explained. "Even though we have suffered Covid infections lately and were unprepared to compete this weekend, we decided to accept the challenge," wrote the team.
Following the cancellation of the 4th stage in the United States, the Challenger Series will continue in France at the French Cup for the final event of the series.
Results - TOP 3
Marie Lundmark Trophy 2022
Turku (FIN)
JAN 20, 2022 - JAN 23, 2022
| TEAM | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunrise 2 (RUS) | 96.89 |
| 2 | Finettes (FIN) | 88.78 |
| 3 | Team Dynamique (FIN) | 85.13 |
| TEAM | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Junost (RUS) | 203.78 |
| 2 | Sunrise 1 (RUS) | 188.72 |
| 3 | Team Fintastic (FIN) | 182.23 |
| TEAM | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Helsinki Rockettes (FIN) | 220.95 |
| 2 | Team Unique (FIN) | 214.51 |
| 3 | Junost (RUS) | 206.01 |
