Centimeters decide victory
SUP stars celebrate World Cup winners at boot Düsseldorf 2026
High tension, full stands and world-class sport: at the EuroTour Stand Up Paddle World Cup at boot Düsseldorf, 76 athletes from all over the world transformed the trade fair pool into a seething arena. In front of an enthusiastic audience, Alba Frey (ESP) and Manuel Hoyuela (ESP) successfully defended their titles from the previous year.
The races were not only top-class sporting events, but also a real spectator spectacle – with some decisions only being made in the last few centimeters.
World-class SUP in the heart of the trade fair
Caroline Mühl, Senior Project Manager at boot Düsseldorf, was delighted after the award ceremony:
“We are very happy that we were able to show the diversity of water sports here at the trade fair and directly on the water for nine days. The races were exciting, the riders gave it their all – it was also great fun to watch.”
Belar Diaz, Tour Manager of the EuroTour, also emphasized the special significance of the event:
“One of the highlights of this weekend was definitely the moment when we were able to present all the athletes together on stage. SUP competitions often take place in open water and away from the public – boot Düsseldorf offers us a unique platform to celebrate the riders as stars.”
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International starting fields and top-level young talent
Athletes from Germany, Spain, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Australia and many other nations competed in a total of three qualifying rounds on Saturday.
The youngest participants of the tour kicked things off: children from the age of six impressed with their clean technique, followed by the juniors. The day concluded with the races of the elite field, which provided the first goosebump moments.
Centimeter thriller in the women’s final
Eight women qualified for the final rounds on Sunday. The spectators witnessed thrilling head-to-head races – starting with the quarter-finals, in which Alba Frey, Lisa Venturelli, Cecilia Pampinella, Maddie Leblanc, Maricarmen Rivera, Jojo Karst, Juliette Duhaime and Alexia Soto showed off their skills.
As in the previous year, the final was once again: Alba Frey vs Maricarmen Rivera (PUR). In an extremely close race, Frey came out on top by a wafer-thin margin after a quick turnaround:
“It was a tough race with a lot of waves in the pool. But the atmosphere here is incredible – so many people cheering. I really enjoy being here with the SUP community.”
Second-placed Maricarmen Rivera was also satisfied:
“I feel great and I’m happy for Alba. This event is perfect to start the season – it’s just fun to race here.”
Hoyuela gives himself a birthday present
The men’s races were no less exciting. Ivan de Frutos, Manuel Hoyuela, Riccardo Rossi, Unax Etxeberria, Campbell Carter, Vadim Korobov, Sergio Cantoral and Matei Babu competed in the quarter-finals.
Manuel Hoyuela ultimately beat Riccardo Rossi in the final to defend his title from 2025. With a wink, Hoyuela explained in the interview that he had given himself a present the day before his birthday.
Results – EuroTour SUP World Cup boot Düsseldorf 2026
🏆 Elite Women
- Alba Frey
- Maricarmen Rivera
- Cecilia Pampinella
- Juliette Duhaime
🏆 Elite Men
- Manuel Hoyuela
- Riccardo Rossi
- Vadim Korobov
- Matei Babu
🏆 Elite Junior Women
- Lisa Venturelli
🏆 Elite Junior Men
- Andri Hack
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