Von Hoff Steals Tour Of Gipsland Lead

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Steele Von Hoff, a former boilermaker who turned to professional cycling just 12 months ago, leads the Lakes Oil Tour of Gippsland after a frantic and crash-marred opening two stages at Wonthaggi today.

 

Von Hoff, 23, from the outer Melbourne suburb of Moorooduc, was 6 seconds clear of Genesys team-mate Nathan Haas, with last year’s winner, Ballarat’s Patrick Shaw a further 2 seconds back in third place.

 

The amiable Von Hoff, who tried his hand at triathlons and mountain biking before having his first road race start in last year’s Gippsland tour, won the opening 33km criterium in Wonthaggi’s town centre before finishing third to Taree’s Philip Grenfell in the 68.2km afternoon trek which incorporated the aptly-named Mt. Misery.

 

Von Hoff said he sat up late every night to view Cadel Evans’ Tour de France exploits and admitted that he harbored the international dream.

 

“It was amazing watching the Tour de France and Cadel was fantastic, definitely the strongest rider in the race,” he said.

 

“I want to get on a pro team overseas and see where that leads me but, yes, it’s everybody’s dream to ride the Tour de France.” 

 

Six months ago, Von Hoff was working full time as a boilermaker-welder for P and R Sheet Metal in Dandenong. He threw in his job and elected to devote his full attention to professional bike racing, a decision that gives him no regrets.

 

He is a member of the powerful Tasmanian-based Genesys Wealth Advisers team and recently spent a month in Hobart on a training camp organised by Genesys team boss Andrew Christie-Johnson. There were many strenuous rides up snow-covered Mt. Wellington.

 

Cycling enthusiasts who have observed Von Hoff’s progress over the past year believe he is certain to fulfill his dream and become part of the new bread of Australian cycling stars to barnstorm Europe’s big races.

 

Before today, his list of impressive victories included the Bainsdale-Lakes Entrance stage of last year’s Gippsland tour and the Shipwreck Coast Classic in Warrnambool in October.

 

Like Von Hoff, Grenfell, 22, is on a similar track to an international career. A former rower, he took up cycling six months ago and rides for the Trent Wilson-managed Bikebug.com team.

 

Sydney-based Wilson won the king of the mountains championship in the 2002 Herald Sun Tour.

 

“Keep your eye on this kid,” Wilson said. “He’s on the way.”

 

The five-day tour will continue tomorrow (Thursday) with a 40km criterium in San Remo followed by a difficult 102km road race from San Remo to Warragul.