Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud spring short pairs upset in Grand Prix de France

Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud upset the favourites and reigning ISU European Champions for pairs short program success at the conclusion of the opening day of the Grand Prix de France.

The Canadian pair, skating to ‘River’ by Bishop Briggs, delivered an eye-catching performance to score 65.97 points and earn a new personal best.

That proved enough for victory after a mistake from Sara Conti, as she and partner Niccolo Macii placed second with 65.31 points.

But it was still a memorable night for the Italians, with their soundtrack holding a very special place in Macii’s heart.

“It’s a very important program for us because this music was the wedding music of my grandparents,” he said.

“My grandfather was basically like my father. He passed away two years ago. We hope that this season we can make him proud of us.”

There was plenty to cheer for the home Angers crowd on the first night of the three-day event, as Camille and Pavel Kovalev came in third with 59.04 points.

In the men’s short program, ISU world bronze medallist Ilia Malinin edged European Champion Adam Siao Him Fa by just a half point, with 2022 Olympic silver medallist Yuma Kagiyama in third.

Isabeau Levito took the lead in the women’s equivalent, while reigning ISU World silver medallists Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri ruled in the rhythm dance.