Triple Crown for Starboard’s Alba Alonso Frey at Agios Nikolaos on SUP 2024

The 2024 Agios Nikolaos on SUP, held in the stunning coastal town of Agios Nikolaos, Greece, marked the fourth stop of the ICF SUP circuit as this year’s only SUP World CUP . This prestigious event, which ran from September 27 to 29, attracted an impressive roster of athletes from 17 countries, competing across three thrilling days in the Technical, Sprint, and Long Distance categories. While NSP Rider Blue Ewer, Union Paddlers frontperson Andrey Kraytor and Infinity Greek powerhouse Tasos Tsouris won respectively the TR, the Sprint and the Long Distance, Starboard rider Alba Alonso Frey, fresh from being crowned world champion in the Sprints in Denmark, was on fire in Agios Nikolaos, securing victories in all three disciplines. With its unique landscape and high level of competition, Agios Nikolaos has become a premier destination for SUP enthusiasts. Each race saw fierce battles for the top spots, with both new talent and seasoned international champions delivering standout performances. From the exhilarating technical heats to the nail-biting sprints and the unpredictable long-distance finale, this year’s World Cup was an unforgettable showcase of athleticism and determination.

Day 1: Technical Racing Sparks an Intense Start

The AGIOS NIKOLAOS on SUP – ICF SUP World Cup 2024 kicked off on September 27th with the highly anticipated Technical race. The competition brought together 170 participants from 17 nations, showcasing an elite level of performance.

Men’s Technical

In the men’s event, Greek athlete Doukas Phaedon, UK’s Ewer Blue, and Bulgaria’s Andrey Kraitor secured their spots in the final from the first heat. The second heat was dominated by Greek contenders Anastasios Tsouris, Nikolaos Malekakis, and Vasilis Samniotis.

The final was a gripping spectacle. Andrey Kraitor initially led the pack but, after several falls, slipped out of contention. Ewer Blue took advantage, clinching 1st place. Tsouris, recovering from past injuries, surged into 2nd, while Phaedon held on for 3rd.

Men’s Final Results:

1. Ewer Blue (UK)
2. Anastasios Tsouris (Greece)
3. Doukas Phaedon (Greece)

Women’s Technical

Spain’s sprint world champion, Alonso Frey Alba, dominated the women’s heats, with Greece’s Kyriaki Logotheti hot on her heels. In the final, Frey Alba maintained her lead, securing 1st place, while Logotheti fought off US racer Paris Katniss to claim 2nd.

Women’s Final Results:

1. Alba Alonso Frey (Spain)
2. Kyriaki Logotheti (Greece)
3. Paris Katniss (USA)

The opening day’s intensity set the tone for an unforgettable weekend of racing.

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Day 2: Sprint Action Delivers Explosive Results

The sprint event on September 28th saw 192 competitors take to the water for a fast-paced battle over 150 meters.

Men’s Sprint

Bulgaria’s Andrey Kraitor, the reigning world champion, continued his dominance, finishing 1st in an impressive 00:00:38.686. Lithuania’s Vadim Korobov and Greece’s Phaedon Doukas followed closely behind, securing 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

Men’s Sprint Final:

1. Andrey Kraitor (Bulgaria) – 00:00:38.686
2. Vadim Korobov (Lithuania) – 00:00:40.353
3. Phaedon Doukas (Greece) – 00:00:40.573

Women’s Sprint

Alba Alonso Frey once again claimed victory, finishing 1st in the women’s sprint with a time of 00:00:48.094. Polish athlete Marta Apanasewicz earned 2nd place, while Greece’s Kyriaki Logotheti completed the podium in 3rd.

Women’s Sprint Final:

1. Alba Alonso Frey (Spain) – 00:00:48.094
2. Marta Apanasewicz (Poland) – 00:00:49.841
3. Kyriaki Logotheti (Greece) – 00:00:50.066

Day 3: Long-Distance Drama Ends in Spectacular Fashion

The event culminated on September 29th with the long-distance race, spanning 14 kilometers from the Blue Palace to Lake Voulismeni. Over 120 athletes took on the challenge, which was held without the usual downwind conditions.

Men’s Long Distance

In a thrilling race, Anastasios Tsouris edged out Ewer Blue to take 1st place in 01:22:13.541, with Blue finishing just eight seconds behind. Doukas Phaedon rounded out the podium in 3rd.

Men’s Long Distance Final:

1. Anastasios Tsouris (Greece) – 01:22:13.541
2. Ewer Blue (UK) – 01:22:21.907
3. Doukas Phaedon (Greece) – 01:22:48.606

Women’s Long Distance

Spain’s  Alba Alonso Frey completed a clean sweep, winning the women’s long-distance race with a commanding time of 01:27:50.557. Greece’s Kyriaki Logotheti finished 2nd, while Paris Katniss claimed 3rd after a dramatic final push.

Women’s Long Distance Final:

1. Alba Alonso Frey (Spain) – 01:27:50.557
2. Kyriaki Logotheti (Greece) – 01:31:51.276
3. Katniss Paris (USA) – 01:33:05.586