Alba Alonso Frey wins world bronze, two team golds and two top-five finishes at SUP World Championships in Sabaudia, Italy

Fuerteventura athlete Alba Alonso Frey has finished her campaign at the Stand Up Paddle (SUP Race) World Championships, held in Sabaudia, Italy, from 14 to 18 October, with an impressive set of results: world bronze in technical racing, fourth place in the sprint and fifth in the long-distance event, as well as two team gold medals with the Spanish national team in technical racing and long distance.

The championship brought together 934 registered athletes from 59 countries, setting a new participation record and establishing itself as one of the most important international events in the sport’s history.

The competition was marked by an exceptionally high standard, with the world’s leading SUP Race athletes taking part and every discipline presenting a demanding challenge. Against this backdrop, Alonso Frey once again demonstrated her versatility and consistency, finishing among the world’s top five athletes in all three individual events.

She added the two team golds won with the Spanish national team, which also put in a superb performance at the championship.

A demanding World Championships overshadowed by health problems

Despite the excellent results, this World Championships was not an easy one for the Fuerteventura athlete. She arrived after experiencing health problems that affected her final preparations and prevented her from competing at full physical capacity.

After months of preparation and an intense international season, Alonso Frey had to take on the championship without being at 100 per cent. This was particularly challenging in a competition where the margins between the world’s best athletes are tiny.

“It has been a very difficult World Championships for me. After so many months of preparation, effort and sacrifice, it is frustrating to arrive at the competition without being at 100 per cent physically. But that is sport, too. Sometimes you can prepare as well as possible and do everything within your power, and circumstances beyond your control still arise,” the athlete explained.

Far from giving up, Alonso Frey approached every event with determination, managing to remain among the world’s best despite the difficulties.

“I tried to give absolutely everything I had in every race, even though I knew my body wasn’t responding as I’m used to. I would have loved to compete at my very best, but I also have to recognise what I achieved. Reaching a world podium and finishing among the top five in every discipline under these circumstances shows that we are still competing at a very high level.”

A season of strong international results

The Sabaudia World Championships brings an intense 2026 season to a close, during which Alba Alonso Frey has once again established herself as one of the leading figures in international SUP Race.

The Fuerteventura athlete began the year by claiming three Spanish titles, winning the sprint, technical racing and long-distance events.

She then enjoyed an outstanding season on the European circuit, winning the 2026 European SUP League title thanks to her consistency and numerous victories across the international calendar.

Her results in Sabaudia confirm her ability to remain among the world’s best in all three disciplines, in a season that has been particularly demanding both physically and mentally.

The future of SUP in Fuerteventura is in safe hands

Alba Alonso Frey also praised the outstanding performance of young athlete Bianca Toncelli, who is from Fuerteventura and lives in Corralejo. Toncelli was crowned junior world champion in technical racing at the championship in Sabaudia.

The result reflects the great potential of the next generation of SUP athletes in Fuerteventura and is a source of immense satisfaction for Alonso Frey, who has represented the island at major international competitions for years.

“I’m especially happy to see the next generation making such a strong impression. Bianca has achieved an incredible result, and it’s a source of pride to see a young woman from Fuerteventura become world champion in the Junior category. I think it shows that our island has a huge amount of talent and that the future of SUP in Fuerteventura is in safe hands.”

Looking ahead to 2027

With the international calendar now over, Alonso Frey will take a well-earned break to rest and recover, aiming to return next season refreshed and with new sporting goals.

“I’m taking away everything I’ve learned this season. Elite sport has incredible moments, but also difficult situations that you have to know how to handle. Things don’t always turn out as you expect, and that’s part of the journey too.”

“Now I need to rest, switch off and regain my strength. I know I still have plenty of desire to compete, improve and keep fighting for world titles. I’ll be back next season stronger, more motivated and eager to keep challenging for the top spot.”

Thanks to her sponsors

The athlete has expressed particular gratitude to the institutions and companies that make it possible for her to pursue elite sport and compete at major international events.

In this regard, Alonso Frey highlighted the support of Puerto del Rosario Town Council, Faycan Motor, H2GO and Fuerteventura Island Council, whose commitment is essential to the development of her sporting career and to representing Fuerteventura and the Canary Islands internationally.

“I’m hugely grateful to all the organisations that believe in me and support me every season. Without their backing, it would be very difficult to take on such a demanding international calendar. Being able to represent my island and take Fuerteventura’s name around the world is a source of pride and motivates me to keep working every day.”

With these results, Alba Alonso Frey ends another season among the world’s elite in Stand Up Paddle, reaffirming her position as one of the leading figures in Spanish and international SUP Race, with her sights set on the challenges of 2027.