Our trip to Hettange this year, was - in my opinion - the best so far.  Richard was entering first year Senior and it was great that there were 7 male entries in a field of 23 competitors.  The first day for us consisted of a session for the British skaters just to get used to the floor, which at first appeared to be slippery - but it gave everyone the chance to sort out what wheels were best.  I was looking after Nicola Roland from Guernsey again this year and her session was with the Germans.  Again Nicola found the floor slippery but decided to stick with the wheels she was using.
It was an excellent competition, not least because Huego entered, having just recently won Cup of Europe.  Brother and sister Mateo and Paola Franshini also competed - Florence from France was another high profile entrant, as was Marco from Italy, and there were other very good skaters.  Richard was delighted to be placed 10th after the compulsories - scoring better on his Starlight Waltz than his Italian Foxtrot.
He was also pleased to be in the third group to skate and performed a good freedance - however overall he placed 13th - still very good considering those he was competing against - of the British skaters he was third out of six.  Nicola - looking great on the floor as usual -  skated good compulsories and a lively freedance but nerves played a part in her performance.
We saw some fabulous skating from Huego - what a talent he has and this is matched with his confidence and wonderful personality.  He got four 10's from the judges and rapturous applause from the audience.
On the last evening we were treated to a 2 hour gala - featuring those that won, including another amazing performance from Huego and some delightful skating from a very small French couple.  The French are improving so much now and took most of the first places in the couples' events.  All the competitors were featured at the end of the gala with a simple but effective routine, which brought to an end a very good week.

Well done Richard and Nicola.