Editorial from the President – 30th edition of the French Cup
Dear friends,
It is with immense joy and deep pride that I welcome you for this 30th edition of the French Cup, an unmissable event for all fans of synchronized figure skating.
Since its creation, the French Cup has continued to evolve to become a benchmark international competition, bringing together talented teams from all over the world. This year again, we will have the privilege of admiring exceptional performances, a reflection of the work, passion and excellence that drive each athlete and coach.
But this 30th edition is also an opportunity to celebrate three decades of unforgettable moments: sporting prowess, shared emotions and an ever-strengthening community. We owe this journey to all of you: athletes, volunteers, partners, spectators, and sports lovers. Your unwavering support keeps the French Cup alive year after year.
A special thank you to our partners, whose commitment contributes to making this event a success, as well as to the organizing teams, who work with passion to offer you a show that meets your expectations.
Together, let’s celebrate this 30th edition as it should be, in a spirit of conviviality, surpassing oneself and fair play. May this French Cup 2025 remain engraved in your memories as an exceptional moment!
To all, I wish you a competition rich in emotions and an unforgettable experience.
Sportingly,
Gregory BRANCQ
President of the French Cup
History
FOCUS ON THE HISTORY OF THE FRENCH CUP
The French Cup, an international synchronized skating competition, has embodied the spirit of sporting rivalry and camaraderie since its creation in 1994. This event, organized by the Rouen Olympic Club under the aegis of the ISU (International Skating Union) and the FFSG (French Ice Sports Federation), is the worthy successor to the Golden Apple Trophy. Today, it has established itself as an unmissable event on the world calendar.
A Competition of Excellence
In 2013, during its 19th edition, the French Cup brought together 42 teams from 10 nations, with a senior competition which welcomed 8 of the 10 best teams in the world. This exceptional level testifies to the importance of this event, which has become a key stage for the selection of teams for the World Championship.
Synchronized skating, a discipline which combines grace, technique and collective work, finds a real springboard in the French Cup. With skaters from the four corners of the globe, the competition puts Rouen and France on the international scene, thus consolidating its place among the largest ice sporting events.
The French Cup in Figures
The French Cup is much more than a competition: it is a celebration that mobilizes an entire community and creates regional dynamics.
In some impressive figures:
- 1,000 skaters participating.
- 5,000 hotel nights generated.
- 10,000 meals served in just four days.
- A parade of teams, a real moment of conviviality.
- Around fifteen hours of live TV and more than 300,000 web connections.
- A unique parade of participants in the city center, a true symbol of unity and the festive spirit of the event.
- More than 100 volunteers mobilized.
- And above all, thousands of spectators and participants happy to live this unique experience.
A Regional and International Impact
Beyond the sporting aspect, the French Cup is a real economic and cultural engine for the region. Supported by the city of Rouen, the Metropolis, the Department of Seine-Maritime and the Haute-Normandie Region, as well as by private partners, it benefits from an impeccable organization. This loyal support guarantees a warm and professional welcome for competitors, making Rouen a world reference in synchronized skating events.
Local media, such as France 3, France Bleu Haute-Normandie and the daily press, also play an essential role in broadcasting and promoting the competition, both regionally and internationally.
A Unique Alchemy
The French Cup is not just a competition, but a real catalyst for emotions and encounters. The alchemy that is created between competitors, spectators, volunteers and partners gives this event a magical aura. It is this same magic which, year after year, unites energies and reinforces the place of this event in the history of ice sports.
The French Cup illustrates that competition is not a modern notion, but a tradition that transcends time, providing a stage where excellence and passion meet. A great lesson in history and life for the whole family!
Edito city of Rouen
From February 2 to 3, 2024, the City of Rouen and the Metropole Rouen Normandie will be vibrating to the rhythm of the French Cup for the 29th time in their history! Two days of international competition that, 6 months ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, says a lot about our sporting appeal.
We owe this in large part to the Rouen Olympic Club, which for 29 years has brilliantly organized one of the world’s greatest synchronized figure skating competitions. This year, nearly 100 volunteers are committed to continuing to make the French Cup a benchmark event.
We now look forward to seeing you at the traditional opening parade: 25 teams from 7 different nations will be demonstrating all their talents during the competition.
Yours sincerely
Nicolas MAYER-ROSSIGNOL
Mayor of Rouen
President of Métropole Rouen Normandie
David LAMIRAY
Vice-president of the Metropole in charge of sports
Sarah VAUZELLE
Deputy Mayor in charge of sport, youth and student life
Normandy region editorial
The Normandy region is particularly proud to support the organization of the 29th edition of the French Cup at the Nathalie Péchalat Olympic Skating Rink in Rouen.
By bringing together the greatest nations in the discipline and their teams, this competition illustrates our Region’s ability to host events that enable us to extend our sporting influence far beyond our regional borders. In this respect, I would like to pay tribute to the involvement of the organizers and all the volunteers who made it possible to stage a top-quality sporting weekend. I’m delighted to see that Norman skating, and more broadly all ice sports, are as dynamic and ambitious as ever.
Since 2016, the year of the reunification of Normandy, we have been carrying a strong ambition in favor of Norman sport. Every year, the Region mobilizes more than 20 million euros to develop sport in our territory. This ambition is reflected first and foremost in our determination to encourage the development of sporting activities on a daily basis throughout the region, by supporting more than 200 local clubs, accompanying more than 120 events each year, and investing in state-of-the-art sports facilities throughout the region.
It is also reflected in the promotion of Normandy’s sporting excellence, which helps to raise the profile of the region and promote a dynamic image of Normandy. We support almost 600 top-level athletes, enabling them to compete under optimum conditions.
Last but not least, we have chosen to make Normandy a genuine rear base for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Over and above the sporting talent who will be competing at the Games, Normandy intends to play its part in this adventure by hosting numerous Olympic and Paralympic teams throughout this unique adventure. The policy we are developing in favour of Normandy sport is carried out with the aim of continuing to build a Normandy that is ever more sporting and ever more conquering!
Enjoy the competition!
Hervé MORIN