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The Skyliners are coming off a win at the 2012 World Junior Team Selection Competition. (Sarah S. Brannen)

By U.S. Figure Skating

(02/02/2012) - Four U.S. synchronized skating teams will compete this weekend at the 18th French Cup in Rouen, France. The 2011 U.S. silver and pewter medalists, respectively, Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) and California Gold (Culver City, Calif.) will compete at the senior level. The 2011 U.S. junior gold and silver medalists, respectively, Skyliners (New York, N.Y.) and Team Braemar (Edina, Minn.), will compete as juniors. The event takes place Feb. 2-5 at the Rouen Ice Rink in Rouen, France.

Miami University placed third at 2011 Spring Cup. The team has won three U.S. titles (1999, 2006, '09). They are coached by Carla DeGirolamo. California Gold represents the All Year FSC. Coached by Jillian Cipresso, they have placed fourth at the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships four times and placed fourth at 2011 Cup of Berlin.

Representing the SC of New York, the Skyliners enter the competition after winning the 2012 World Junior Team Selection Competition and earning a bid to the 2012 Junior World Challenge Cup in March. Coached by Josh Babb, the Skyliners won the 2011 Spring Cup. The 2011 Junior World Challenge Cup bronze medalists, Team Braemar returns to the French Cup after winning the event last year. Team Braemar, which competes for the Braemar-City of Lakes FSC, are also continuing their season, having placed second at the 2012 World Junior Team Selection Competition, allowing them to compete for Team USA at the 2012 Junior World Challenge Cup.

Miami University and California Gold will face off against 2011 world silver medalists Marigold Ice Unity of Finland. The Skyliners and Team Braemar will compete against Finland's top junior teams, Team Fintastic and the Musketeers, who won gold and silver at the 2011 Junior World Challenge Cup.