Andrew Runs In The Transit Lane

By Brian Marantelli 26 August 2015

With many of the front markers missing from the line up Andrew Lane spent a great deal of Sunday’s 5km event sailing along in his own private time trial. Andrew was able to quickly work his way through those in front and with only Tony Rendina to trouble him in the early part of the race he was able to establish a very handy lead over the final two kilometres. Sunday’s win in the Helmut Prentler Legend 5km Handicap was Andrew’s first with the club but he has clearly been this season’s most consistent competitor with eleven top five placings for the year. Lane’s win was the second victory for the Colin “Joffa” Davis stable following on from Robert Eppinger’s win at Braeside.

Andrew’s winning margin was narrowed to only four seconds with Matt Grant storming home to just fail. Hugo Sarpa, not normally a 5km contender, ran well for his third placing, just edging out Leon Brooks. Alan Shields continues to regain his best from with a solid sixth only a second behind Corina Kapusta. Shane Thiele, fresh from his Saturday night umpiring duties, crossed the line in eighth place. The two Tonys, Moran and Rendina, were next across the finish line, clear of tenth placed David Stones.

The fastest times was a close race with Shane Thiele (16:32) edging out Phillip O’Brien (16:33) by a one second margin. Corina Kapusta (18:44) was fastest of the females and the novice award went to Ian Cayzer.

Sunday’s event was named in honour of long time VCCL club athlete and sponsor Helmut Prentler. Helmut was unable to attend Sunday’s event due to ill health. All of Helmut’s many VCCL friends wish Helmut a speedy recovery and hope to catch up before the season’s completion.

This Sunday is the 50^th running of the Norm Charles 10km Classic with total prize money of $5000 – paying down to 20^th. VCCL runners please note that to be eligible for prize money, they must have completed three VCCL events this season. Also see David Page’s article on Norm Charles Handicapping.

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