ISU Releases Assignments for 2013/14 Grand Prix Series
Earlier today, the International Skating Union (ISU) released the names of the skaters and teams who will compete in the 2013/14 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series.
With the number of ice dancing entries at each event set at eight, there are a total of 48 assignments. Each host country is alloted a ‘host pick’, leaving only five of the spots left to be assigned. Canada was the lone country to fill its roster, while the United States, France, China, Japan and Russia each left one spot TBA. Thirty teams representing 12 countries have been assigned to one or more events. The top six qualifiers, based on placement at events, will qualify for the Grand Prix Final in Fukuoka, Japan from December 6-8, 2013.
From the June 3rd ISU Press Release:
“In order for a skater/couple to be eligible to compete at a Grand Prix event, a minimum total score or minimum technical score must have been achieved in the previous or current season in an ISU event (Grand Prix, Junior Grand Prix, ISU Championships, World Team Trophy or U.S. International Figure Skating Classic, Nebelhorn Trophy, Ondrej Nepala Trophy, Finlandia Trophy, Coupe de Nice). Exceptions apply to host country skaters, previously ranked skaters or split ranked couples who return with new partners. The minimum score for the 2013/14 season for ice dance is 113.73.
The skaters are seeded and invited to the six Grand Prix of Figure Skating events based on the results of the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2013. Skaters/couples who have placed 1 to 6 in each of the four categories are seeded and assigned to two events. Skaters/couples who have placed 7-12 at the ISU World Championships 2013 are selected for two ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating events and skaters with a top 24 high seasons best score as well as those placed in the top 24 of the World Standings can also be invited. Medalists from the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships and the ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final gold medalists are guaranteed one spot.“
Ice dancers collect points up to a sixth place finish. The points are awarded as follows:
1st – 15 points
2nd – 13 points
3rd – 11 points
4th – 9 points
5th – 7 points
6th – 5 points
The 2013/14 Grand Prix series will mark the debut for several teams including the entire podium from the 2013 World Junior Championships. Russia’s Alexandra Stepanova & Ivan Bukin took home the gold medal at the World Junior Championships with Gabriella Papadakis & Guillaume Cizeron of France winning silver and Americans Alexandra Aldridge & Daniel Eaton claiming bronze. Germany’s Tanja Kolbe & Stefano Caruso are the only other team scheduled to make a Grand Prix debut this season.
Below is the Grand Prix assignments list as of June 3rd. To keep up on the latest changes, visit the ISU Website.
