RowangLive2: 2018 Vosseler Shield Mt Victoria Wellington Sat 19 May

Sunday, May 20, 2018

2018 Vosseler Shield Mt Victoria Wellington Sat 19 May

Individual Results

Team Results

Race Report (Written by Nicholas Pointon published by Athletics NZ and republished by the NZ Herald

It’s hard to believe that the Vosseler has been going for 95 years. That’s 95 years of stories and anecdotes but be warned more than a few of these will be slightly exaggerated.

Like always it pays to come prepared for less than ideal ground conditions with the discussion usually focused on what to wear on your feet. Flats/Spikes/DYI Specials are all options although going barefoot generally isn’t.

Not surprisingly the morning rain left parts of the grassy areas squishy and hazardous for the unwary and unlucky. Having said that I never actually saw anybody come to grief, unlike last year although who knows what happens in the far corners of the course.

This year timing was handled by Daryl’s Bloomfields Five Eyes System, although because Donald Trump pulled out there were only four. The array of GoPro cameras pick up everybody who crosses the line just in case the timing fails. As backup Dave Gratton and John Turner run a manual system while I suspect that Daryl’s apprentices run a second. Nothing can go wrong.

In the senior women’s 5km championship race Maiya Christini (ex Auckland) was all class winning the race well ahead of Sarah Drought and Nicole Mitchell. Things could get interesting at the Dorne Cup especially if Ruby Muir gets back to full fitness.

In the senior men’s race it was Dan Jones all the way putting in a solid performance after his recent 67 min win in the Hawke’s Bay Half Marathon. Trying to keep up in the initial stages was #MadHarry who in turn was in the sights of Niam MacDonald.

It must feel like Deju Vu for Harry as Niam did his usual “jumping spider trick” to pick up Harry and finish in front of him for second place. Nathan Tse also ran well for 4^th place as did Nick Sasse for 5^th.

Also in this race was Scott Russell, not seen for a while, and Dan Hunt who had a particularly good day (he has a secret strategy).

Not doing so well was Malcolm Hodge who just seemed to drift further back in the race as the race unfolded.

Observations:

Excellent marshalling and traffic management by WHAC. There are three road crossings which need to be carefully managed because vehicle traffic has become heavier over the years. The guys and gals in orange vests had more Stop/Go signs than were seen at Meghan and Harry’s wedding.

The numbered bibs have names on the front and are good for the season. Now I know who people are.

I have posted a selection of photos below.

Race 5 Photos 10k (Senior Men, Masters Men 35 & 50, Non Champs Women)