They are Lithuanian, but the French public adores them. Ice dancers Margarita Drobiazko and Povilas Vanagas 2000 European and World bronze medalists, finished in fifth place in Salt Lake City. Injustice? The public seems to think so! Not long married, their unison, purity of line and stylish skating have conquererd the hearts spectators worldwide, who hoped to see them on the Olympic podium this year. Fate (and the judges!) decreed otherwise, but their result takes nothing away from their talent, and there is no doubt that they would, from next year on, climb to the top of the European and World podium... to the great delight of their innumerable supportes. As guests of the French Federation, Margarita and Povilas skated in the recent French team tour. A whole month at the heart of the squad: a new experience which they clearly relished .. they announce themselves ready to return as soon as an opportuniy presents itself! Meet a couple with big hearts, simple and touching, of whom we have not heard the last.

The Olympic season is over. It's the end of many years of hard work. What are your thoughts on this year's results?

P.V. It's quite difficult for us now to talk about competitions and results, having just finished the French tour which has helped us to forget the less amusing side of competition, to take great pleasure in skating just for the public. This past month has been very special for us, and I think we won't ever forget it! We have really loved being here in France, expecially being accepted within the team. It's only the third tour we've ever done: we did the farewell tour of Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean and that of Susanna Rahnkamo and Petri Kokko 2 years ago. This time, it's Marina and Gwendal; its' ben quite exciting.

Was there any particular moment on the tour that impressed you?

P.V.There have been lots of moments: I don't think I can identify any one in particular. We really appreciated the chance to go back to Nice, where we won our bronze medal at Worlds... that was quite emotional for us!

M.D. We've also been able visit some really interesting places, like Annecy and Lyon... there are so many it's difficult to remember everywhere. It's the first time we have spent so much time in France; we've been able to see the different landscapes from the tour bus: it was fantastic. And so are French audiences; I will always remember the incredible welcome we got in Marseille, it was fabulous! We've also managed to learn a few words of French, so we are now able to understand the language better.

Are you going to turn professional, or do you intend to remain eligible?

P.V. For the moment, we are going to do some exhibitions, while keeping an eye on the amateur competitions to see how the new marking system works. We won't become professionals, but we don't intend to complete next season. Maybe the following year...

What are your long-term plans?

M.D. Babies, not doubt! On a professional level, we will probably coach... if we find some young couples we want to work with.

P.V. At the moment, we are open to all ideas! We would like to stay in Europe: there are several attractive countries, like France, Italy or Spain. The ideal for us would be to coach in one of these.

What do you like to do off-ice?

P.V. We both like to travel, which is lucky as we have been able to travel a lot with our skating.

M.D. If we had the time, we'd like to go to places like Bangkok or South Africa, which don't usually have skating competitions! Some more exotic places, different from those we have usually seen.