EuroTour Stand-Up Paddle World Cup 2026: Frey and Hoyuela defend SUP title at boot Düsseldorf
SURF Redaktion
· 26.01.2026
On the second weekend of boot Düsseldorf next to the freestyle windsurfers The paddlers of the EuroTour Stand-Up Paddle World Cup also took to the pool. 76 stand-up paddlers from Germany, Spain, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Australia and other nations competed in the pool of the exhibition hall. Alba Frey from Spain secured victory in the women's event, repeating her success from the previous year. Manuel Hoyuela, also from Spain, came out on top in the men's event, defending his title from 2025. The final races provided spectacular duels in which minimal gaps decided the placings. Caroline Mühl, Senior Project Manager at boot Düsseldorf, presented the trophies to the winners. "We are very pleased that we were able to showcase the diversity of water sports at the trade fair and here in the hall on the water for nine days. The races were exciting and the riders gave their all. It was also fun to watch," said Mühl at the award ceremony.
Qualification with an international starting field
On Saturday, the athletes first completed three qualifying rounds. The tour kicked off with the youngest participants, who showed technically clean paddling at the age of six. The juniors followed before the elite field took to the pool. Eight women qualified for the further rounds on Sunday. The starting field represented the international orientation of the EuroTour with participants from several continents. The qualifying rounds served as an elimination for the knockout rounds on the final day. Belar Diaz, Tour Manager of the EuroTour, emphasised the special atmosphere of the event. "One of the highlights of this great weekend was the moment when we were able to present all the athletes on stage. Normally, many SUP competitions take place in open water and away from the public. Here, boot Düsseldorf gives us a great platform to present the riders as stars," explained Diaz.
Normally, many SUP competitions take place in open water and away from the public. Here, boot Düsseldorf gives us a great platform to present the riders as stars!"
The women's quarter-finals brought Alba Frey, Lisa Venturelli, Cecila Pampinella, Maddie Leblanc, Maricarmen Rivera, Jojo Karst, Juliette Duhaime and Alexia Soto to the pool. The eight athletes battled their way through the rounds to the final. Alba Frey and Maricarmen Rivera from Puerto Rico faced each other in the decisive race. Centimetres decided the outcome. After a quick tack, Frey crossed the finish line just ahead of her rival. "It was a tough race with a lot of waves in the pool. But it's so much fun with all the people here watching and cheering and I really enjoy being here with all the stand-up paddlers," said Frey after her victory. Rivera was satisfied despite the narrow defeat. "I feel great and I'm happy for Alba. The event here is a great way to start the season. It's really fun to start here and compete against each other," commented the runner-up.
Hoyuela wins before his birthday
Eight athletes fought intense duels in the men's competition. Ivan de Frutos, Manuel Hoyuela, Riccardo Rossi, Unax Etxeberria, Campbell Carter, Vadim Korobov, Sergio Cantoral and Matei Barb competed in the quarter-finals. Manuel Hoyuela and Riccardo Rossi qualified for the final. Hoyuela prevailed in the decisive race and defended his title from the previous year. The Spaniard celebrated his victory the day before his birthday. In an interview, he explained that he wanted to give himself a present. The packed spectator stands created an atmosphere that was very different from the usual open water competitions. The proximity to the audience and the direct view of the races made the event a special experience for athletes and spectators alike.
Results EuroTour Stand-Up Paddle World Cup boot 2026
Ladies
- Alba Frey
- Maricarmen Rivera
- Cecilia Pampinella
- Juliette Duhaime
Gents
- Manuel Hoyuela
- Riccardo Rossi
- Vadim Korobov
- Matei Babu
