We check out the French Masters event, featuring the debut of ice dance team Fournier-Beaudry and Cizeron, and a fantastic performance from Kevin Aymoz. We also look at the Junior Grand Prix, including a controversy in Pairs, and a breakout gold in women’s.

 

French Masters 2025 — Fournier-Beaudry & Cizeron Debut, Aymoz Dazzles

In this week’s episode of Scoreography, we dig into the French Masters competition where Laurence Fournier-Beaudry & Guillaume Cizeron made their much-awaited competitive debut. With two very refined programs — including an especially memorable free dance — they came out on top over country-mates Lopareva & Brissaud and Demougeot & LeMercier. This sets up what will be an interesting few months leading to the Olympic team selections. 

In the men’s event, Kevin Aymoz reminded us why his Bolero is so iconic, winning the event in style. Adam Siao Him Fa had some unfortunate skates to start his season, but no one outside the arena will ever see them since he requested they not be streamed. 

Junior Grand Prix — Quad Twist Controversy and Breakout Performances

Also, after quite a few requests from listeners to cover more Juniors, we take advantage of less happening on the senior circuit to look at a bit of what’s happened at the first two junior Grand Prix events.

Of particular note, the new-to-juniors pairs team from China, Guo & Zheng, threw a rarely-seen quad twist — the first since Sui & Han did one in Beijing in 2022! Unfortunately, the judges mis-called it and only a triple was counted. While this was disappointing, there was a lot to be excited about for them as well as the Canadian team Kemp & Elizarov, who earned gold.

We were also impressed with the evolution of both Minkyu Seo and Rio Nakata — who are already setting up the men’s events this season to be strong and exciting. Both scored new personal bests in their respective wins in the Grand Prix of Riga (Nakata) and Grand Prix Ankara (Seo.)

The Junior international debut of Japan’s Mayuko Oka delighted us, as did Yujae Kim’s strongest performance to date and an emotional short program from Sophie Joline Von Felten.

Upcoming Event Previews

Last but not least, we begin previewing what feels like the “real” start to the Olympic season with 2 events — the John Nick’s Pairs Challenge and the Kinoshita Cup — happening the first week of September.

Chapters

0:00 — Intro
0:40 — French Masters Ice Dance
17:39 — French Masters Men’s Competition
23:13 — French Masters Women and Pairs
24:25 — JGP Quad Twist Controversy
29:36 — Kemp and Elizarov pairs victory
31:28 — JGP Men: Nakata vs Seo
34:57 — JGP Women: Oka, Kim, and Von Felton
44:18 — Williams and Lewer JGP Medal
45:36 — John Nicks Pairs Challenge Preview
48:40 — Kinoshita Cup preview
57:18 — Look ahead to Lombardia and Olympic Qualifiers
59:16 — Wrap-Up