26/04/2026
Top Tech Panels Northern Cycling Benghazi Handicap - Lancefield 25/4/2026
In contrast to last years wet event - the 46th running of the Benghazi handicap was conducted in near perfect conditions with more than 100 riders competing in mild sunny conditions albeit with a strong Northerly breeze to contend with.
This year there were 11 bunches with scratch departing 46 minutes after the 1pm limit bunch of 3 riders and the pace was on immediately which combined with some strong cross winds in places lead to the rapid fracturing of a number of bunches and a relatively high number of DNF’s.
This year success came largely with the early bunches with the winner and place getters from 4th limit grouping (25 min) accounting for the largest proportion of the placings with scratch and the later bunches largely unable to haul them in.
Ladies also represented a good proportion of the top 10 including Aoife Reid the winner and ladies fastest time.
Unfortunately there was also an accident in the run up to the line involving 3 riders with one requiring hospital treatment so our thoughts are with the Geelong rider in question and we wish him a speedy recovery.
Big thanks to Nick Nomikos of Top Tech Panels whose continued generous sponsorship of this race enables us to put on the best race and prize money on the Victorian masters cycling calendar.
A callout as well to Maureen Cross, daughter of founding club member Tom Stewart, who couldn't make it this year and generously donated a large sum of money to the club. Maureen normally presents the impressive fastest time trophy which bares her fathers and John Stewarts name.
Presentations following the racing were again held at the Lancefield bowls club who put on a great spread and thanks to those members who brought a small share plate to share.
Congratulations to Saturdays winners and place getters:
1st - Aoife Reid (25 min)
2nd - Jarrod Boyd (25 min)
3rd - Chris Fenech (28 min)
4th - Richard McCorkell (25min)
5th - Rachel Huxley (25 min)
6th - Meredith Clark (25 min)
7th - Matthew Freeman (7 min)
8th - Andrew Connell (25 min)
9th - Jesse Thomas (9 min)
10th - James Hender (9 min)
1st unplaced lady - Julie Wood (28 min)
1st unplaced over 65 - Trevor Coulter (9 min)
Fastest time - Robbie Hucker (scratch)
Fastest lady - Aoife Reid (25 min)
Bunch winners
Robbie Hucker (scratch)
Steven Drake (3 min)
Matthew Freeman (7 min)
Jesse Thomas (9 min)
John Hiatt (13 min)
Daryl Suiter (17 min)
John Lejcak (21 min)
Aoife Reid (25 min)
Chris Fenech (28 min)
Danny Whelan (33 min)
Robert Castellani (46 min)
Many thanks as usual to the marshals, first aiders, officials and volunteers that ensure this event can be run in a safe and efficient way. Special call out to Bruce in charge of handicapping and electronic timing, Faye on registration and Albert Rain (Commissaire) who also coordinated the overall race management plus our ever present flag man Chooka. Big kudos also to our Northern club members who made themselves available to help out at the most important race on our calendar. Nickolas Bird, Rae Lesniowska, Ross Clarke, Paul Wilson, John Hasouras, Colin Morris, Shane Dwyer, Michael Hartmann, Annette Kakris (wife of Kon - who also helped out with the first aid) and David Drew. Also thanks to Vince Sinni for coordinating much of the transponder admin and prize money.
Full results should be available soon on MyLaps however there were some issues with some of the transponders so apologies in advance to those impacted.
Next week its back to National Boulevard for more crit racing and entries are open and available here https://entryboss.cc/races/28796
