Often announced and often postponed. The reopening of the 3 Seine ice rink in Troyes (Aube) took place at the end of September. A few days in advance for the figure skating and ice hockey associations and then for the general public. The sliding enthusiasts of the agglomeration have therefore finished gnawing their brake. Health crisis and work that dragged on left the ice cube unavailable for nearly three years.
This Sunday morning, there was a crowd for the first public meeting of the day, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. "It's a little scrubbing that feels good," Ludovic joked as he loosened his skates. "I have muscles that woke up for the occasion. The ice is really good and it's a pleasure to skate on such a smooth surface. In its first version, the rink did not have a concrete slab. It was on sand that the ice was laid, complicating the work of the resurfacer. The new slab allows for better maintenance and reduces energy losses.
Glass protections for ice hockey
"It's more than a big facelift that we operated. It's a complete facelift, says François Baroin, the mayor of Troyes and president of Troyes Champagne Métropole. It has been adapted to current times and regulatory constraints to properly manage energy sources. The refrigeration unit has been replaced to anticipate the gradual ban on certain refrigerants by 2030.
Nearly 2.1 million euros were put on the table by Troyes Champagne Métropole. The community took over the management of the structure after entrusting it to a private group. In addition to its energy renovation, the 3 Seine ice rink has been brought up to standard for the practice of ice hockey at the national level. Barricades and glass protections have been installed around the playground. "Our desire was not to experience the same problems as before with ice that was damaged during strong impacts. In hockey, players are powerful. With the concrete structure, we have a more resistant ice, adds François Baroin. This investment is there to last, adapt and support clubs and amateur practitioners wanting to have fun. »
Read alsoDo you dream of getting high or becoming an airline pilot? Aube hosts its first aviation school
A pure Trojan, Vincent was finally able to fill the gap. "I was already going to the old ice rink (the 3 Seine ice rink opened its doors in 2008, editor's note) before this one. In Troyes, there is a real ice culture of ice. Three years is a long time! The nearest ice rinks are Châlons-en-Champagne, Reims and Auxerre but with the rising cost of gasoline, it was not profitable to go there. Since its reopening to the general public, the rink has averaged 300 entries per session.
Some took the opportunity to reconnect with the activity, like Sylvie and Christophe. "It was our recovery after fifteen years without skating," says the couple in their fifties. The work has brought a plus. We already knew the rink but the ice was not smooth everywhere. There, it is very hard. I think we'll be back. The schedules are adapted to all audiences. On Sunday mornings, it's quieter. We wanted to come this Saturday night but we turned back. There were too many people! »
Website: www.aube-champagne.com/fr/poi/patinoire-des-3-seine
