Victorian Sprint Champions Crowned at Whitefriars College

The 2023 Victorian Sprint Champions have been determined in an action-packed day of racing at Whitefriars College, Donvale.  First used for the Knockout Sprint final at the 2022 Melbourne Sprint Weekend, the map has not become any less of a challenge!  Course planner Stuart Lawrie made full use of the irregular shapes, the slope, the multiple levels, and the many nooks and crannies, to provide Champs-worthy courses for all.

The Cavill Cups, for Mens and Womens 21E, were won by Natasha Key and Patrick Jaffe.  Mens and Womens 20E victories went to Milla Key and Callum White, members of the 2023 Australian JWOC team.

There were some incredibly close finishes in other age classes, and it was great to see some newcomers and youngsters tackling their first Sprint courses, and loving every minute!  There were some very competitive classes, and promising results, amongst the junior ranks, which is great to see.

Vic Sprint Champs results and split times

Check out routes on Livelox

Photographer Lincoln Paterson captured the excitement of the Finish chute – click here for a bunch of incredible photos!

The inspired Mad Dash set up some unaccustomed rivalries, such as young up-and-comers Xander and Jayden against experienced campaigners Chris; Angelina, Lizzy and Lydia taking on Sue and Philippa; and mother and daughter Hania and Ella, racing each other in a bid to cross the line first.

The small group mass starts, in groups seeded by morning results on courses rather than classes, were fun to be in, and to watch; let’s hope to see this format again in the not too distant future.  Winning margins were even tighter – some groups were down to 2 seconds!

Congratulations to the winners –

Mad Dash results and split times

Mad Dash Livelox routes

Thanks to course planner Stuart Lawrie, organiser Heather O’Donnell, event advisor Ted van Geldermalsen, and the Yarra Valley Orienteering Club crew for a fantastic day.  They even arranged for the rain to stay away!