As usual, Philippe Candeloro does not have his tongue in his pocket. Consultant for France Télévisions which will broadcast the European Championships scheduled for this week (20-26 January) in Graz (Austria), the former skater speaks bluntly about the two cases which tarnish the image of his sport.
The first concerns Morgan Cirès. As a couple on the ice with Vanessa James, the 28-year-old Frenchman is involved in a morals affair in the United States, where he trains. The 2019 European champion is suspected of having sent two photos of his sex in 2017 to a 13-year-old girl, before apologizing.
Laurine Lecavelier, champion of France 2017, has tested positive for cocaine. At 23, she faces a four-year suspension. Bronze medalist at the 1994 and 1996 Olympic Games, Candeloro said he was disappointed by the behavior of the two tricolors.
What is your opinion on the two scandals shaking up French skating?
PHILIPPE CANDELORO. These are two bad deals that dirty the environment. Not everything is excusable. Morgan tried to explain but it was something that would follow him for a very long time. He seems to have admitted the facts by apologizing. Only, in the United States, this kind of affair hurts and does not go away. I am very em ... for him because I appreciate him. But he's no longer a kid, he should have thought before.
These coaches are also in the crosshairs ...
From what I read, they would have tried to cover up the business or calm the game before the Games in Pyeongchang in 2018. The consequences are likely, alas, to fall on Kevin Aymoz ( Editor's note: French skater 22 years ) who works with them.
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Are you surprised by Laurine Lecavelier's positive control?
It's a mind-blowing affair! We don't expect that from him. Has it been doped? Did she want to have fun or was she drugged without her knowing? Laurine deserves better, it pisses me off ... for her, because the damage is done. I hope she will be cleared of all suspicion for the rest of her career.
The French Federation finds itself in spite of itself in turmoil ...
Our president Didier Gailhaguet has to cope with that, unfortunately. It is not an easy situation to defend a French team which leaves for the Euro. I put myself in his place: he is not responsible for the behavior of his athletes, he will defend them at best. But these stories don't fall well.
What should we expect from these European Championships for the tricolor clan?
The sixth European coronation of Papadakis and Cizeron. I do not see what could prevent them from triumphing. This couple remains the flagship of skating and is very above everyone.
They marked 2019 ✨
# 5 On March 23, Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron were crowned #dansesurglace world champions for the 4th time in Saitama (Japan). Two months after winning a 5th consecutive European title.
📷 CNOSF / pressesports pic.twitter.com/yfrGVuAlGQ
In men, Kevin Aymoz raises a lot of hope. Are they justified?
Yes, he can be European champion this year. He did not go far from the podium in 2019. We expect him to materialize, because he has the means. It has all the qualities to seduce the environment.
Why is it harder in women?
We always have Maé-Bérénice Méité. She can do well. She is never far from the podium, but with all the Russians, it is more complicated.
