The 2025 ISU Grand Prix Finlandia Trophy in Helsinki saw a thrilling display of athleticism and artistry as France’s Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron triumphed in ice dance, marking their second Grand Prix victory of the season. Competing outside of France for the first time as a team, the duo overcame some early challenges to secure a final score of 204.18 points, narrowly edging out Canada’s Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, who finished with a total of 202.11 points.
After leading the rhythm dance on Friday, Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron faced scrutiny from the technical panel regarding low levels assessed during their performances. Despite receiving a deduction for an extended lift, their free dance score of 124.29 showcased their improvement and fiery artistry.
Expressing their excitement, Cizeron remarked, “We feel very lucky to be sharing these moments together. The free dance keeps developing and maturing in a really beautiful way.” The French team’s consistent training efforts paid off, allowing them to demonstrate their undeniable talent amidst a competitive field.
Gilles and Poirier executed a strong performance that included a free dance score of 122.55 points. They too secured their place in the Grand Prix Final in Nagoya, Japan, motivated by their recent setbacks. “We needed to prove to ourselves that we are capable of this program, and I think we accomplished that today,” said Poirier.
Moreover, Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik delivered a commendable third-place finish with a score of 196.02, signifying their growth through the season. Zingas revealed her determination: “I wanted it so badly, and I think it made me tighten up a little bit.” The top three finishers are all gearing up for a formidable battle at the Grand Prix Final.
Meanwhile, siblings Maia and Alex Shibutani, returning to international competition after a lengthy hiatus, finished steadfast in fifth place. As the anticipation builds, fans await the exciting showdown that lies ahead in Nagoya next month!
