Rain was forecast and rain it did right just before the race got underway at 1pm but despite the wet and sketchy conditions thankfully it was an incident free race and the competition was fierce with some big bunches forming and riders jostling for position towards the finish.
This year the 2nd limit 34 min group worked well together from the get go and Greg Foster emerged from the pack and went early with a long sprint to hold off a number of his fellow bunch to pull off a well deserved win.
The first of the non 34 min bunch over the line was Luke Poyser from the 20.5 min bunch who launched a powerful sprint to grab 8th spot ahead of Andrew Gannon and Nick Hailey from the 12.5 min bunch.
Following the racing most riders headed back to the Lancefield Bowls Club for food & refreshments before President Vince got the presentations underway. We were also fortunate to have Maureen Cross Stewart present the Fastest Time trophy to Robbie Hucker that bares her father and uncles name who were founders of Northern Cycling Club almost 50 years ago.
Congratulations to all the winners and place getters of another successful Benghazi.
1st – Greg Foster (34 min)
2nd – David McCormack (34 min)
3rd – Roger MccMillan (34 min)
4th – Brett Bender (34 min)
5th – Andrew McKenzie (34 min)
6th – John Short (34 min)
7th – Ray Grant (34 min)
8th – Luke Poyser (20.5 min)
9th – Andrew Gannon (12.5 min)
10th – Nick Hailey (12.5 min)
Fastest Time – Robbie Hucker (scratch)
1st Unplaced Lady – Kaz McMurray (28.5 min)
1st Unplaced Over 65 – Lindsay Burgoyne (16 min)
This year the individual bunch winners were also recognised with a $50 prize thanks to sponsor Nick Nomikos.
Scratch – Robbie Hucker
5 min – Steven Drake
9 min – Cian Geary
12.5 min – Andrew Gannon
16 min – Brody O’Driscoll
18.5 min – Stephen Nowicki
20.5 min – Luke Poyser
24 min – Dale Clune
28.5 min – Kaz McMurray
34 min – Greg Foster
45 min – Ashley O’Farrell
Many thanks to all who made the day a success and particularly Bruce for his handicapping / timekeeping and Faye on the rego table. Also the 6 corner marshals who made the journey up to Lancefield and had to stand in rainy conditions for the duration of the race. The lead and tail drivers Ross Clarke and Dave Halliday, medic Bill Sherrifs. Albert the chief commissaire for his tireless coordination of the running of the race and inspection of the circuit.
Last but not least big thanks to Nick Nomikos owner of Top Tech Panels for his ongoing generous sponsorship of the the biggest race on the Victorian masters calendar.
