Catalan Championship Semifinals Set the Stage for 2025
The 2025 season kicks off this weekend in Fontajau with the Catalan Championship semifinals. A fresh format promises excitement, with the top show groups vying for spots in the upcoming finals.
A New Era Begins in Fontajau
The semifinals feature a novel structure, separating teams into distinct groups (black and white). This innovative approach prevents direct competition between established powerhouses like CPA Olot and CPA Girona, who will instead showcase their new routines.olot, champions of the world and Europe, will present “Sí vull,” while Girona will perform “Empatia.”
A Showcase of Talent
The weekend’s schedule promises a captivating display of talent. Saturday will see Olot and PA Figueres (with “Silentium in pectore”) take the stage. Sunday will feature Girona, alongside PA Maçanet (“Alcatraz 1962”) and CP Celrà (“Immortal”). The large groups, with limited numbers, will all advance to the Catalan Championship final, scheduled for next month. Smaller and junior groups will face a more rigorous selection process.
Olot’s Reinvention
Olot,having secured their 15th world title and a bronze medal at Rimini,faces a new challenge. A significant generational shift has reshaped the team, with half the squad now comprised of new members.Director Ricard Planiol acknowledges this transition, stating, “We’ve organized ourselves to reach the championship in the best possible conditions, especially after the generational change.” He expresses confidence in the new talent, highlighting the improved quality of the youth program.
Girona’s Skating Squad Aims for World Stage
Girona’s skating club, CPA Girona, arrives at the competition with renewed vigor. Their new program, “Empatia,” has benefited from extended preparation time, guided by the coaching trio of Juliana Giovanardi, Manel Villarroya, and David Canyet.
A Cohesive Unit
“We’ve had more time to prepare,” explains Giovanardi. “We’ve had a minor injury setback, but the team is more cohesive and understands each other better than last year.” Giovanardi, ambitious after finishing third at the World Championships and second at the European Championships last year, is determined to return to the top.
World championship Aspirations
“We want to reach the world Championships,” she declares. “If it was possible last year despite the challenges, we want to be back in the forefront this time.” giovanardi believes a fierce competition with Olot is absolutely possible. “Hopefully,” she says, “Olot is a benchmark for us, and achieving a high level of competition with them would show our progress.”
Semifinal Showdown
The black semifinal on Saturday features junior groups from GEiEG, PA Maçanet, CPA Girona, CP Tordera, and CPA Olot. Smaller groups will see Olot and CP Gerunda compete.
Sunday’s White Semifinal
Sunday’s white semifinal will see PA Tordera in senior quartets, CP Bescanó and AE Fornells in junior groups, and Figueres and Bescanó in smaller groups. Performances begin at 4 PM both days.(Please provide the article text you want me to rewrite.)
Worth a look
