Northern riders finished on the podium in Wednesday’s Top Tech Panels Benghazi 77km open handicap at Lancefield with new member Craig Frost racing off 26 mins finishing 6th, Noel Said (26 mins) 3rd, Shaun Francis (30 mins) 2nd and Stephen Lane (scratch) fastest time going around the course in 1hr 48:24. The winner was Steven O’Neill from Geelong who was also in the 26 min bunch.
The race certainly lived up to its name as the toughest on the veterans calendar with hot, windy conditions testing the 99 starters.
Unfortunately, a couple of Northern riders had falls during the race. Terry Hodges was taken to hospital by ambulance and sustained a broken collarbone, ribs, a hand injury and nasty grazing. Terry is in good spirits but can’t believe his bad luck on this course – he had a bad fall at Lancefield two years ago. George Goodrope also had a fall and was taken to hospital for observation once he arrived home.
We are indebted to our own Nick Nomikos from Top Tech Panels, whose generous sponsorship of this year’s Benghazi makes it the richest race on the VVCC calendar.
Thanks to all riders for supporting the event and to all Northern members who helped out with marshalling, catering and official duties.
