Former national criterium champion Steele von Hoff claimed the Launceston Classic in true Steven Bradbury style.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 28-year-old Victorian was the last man standing after two riders crashed in front of him on the final bend of the race as riders developed a sudden allergy to the peanut roundabout in Brisbane Street.
Two years after finishing second in the race, von Hoff was delighted to take another step up the podium.
“I just remember we went full gas up the hill. Scott Sunderland was in second place and he crashed then the guy in first place [Cam Ivory] also crashed and I came through for the win.
“I did not get lucky, they got unlucky. It’s not the way anyone wants to win but you’ve got to be in there to win it and I was in that position.”
It may not have been a fairytale finish for retiring Tasmanian Matt Goss but he had the consolation of seeing a ONE Pro Cycling teammate claim the prize and von Hoff was quick to pay tribute to the former Milan-San Remo winner.
“Gossy’s a fantastic teammate. He’s been there with us all year and it’s been a pleasure to be on his team and join in his final race.”
Avanti teammates Robbie Hucker and defending champion Anthony Giacoppo squeezed past Scott Bowden to deny the Olympian a podium finish but the versatile rider was delighted to be the first Tasmanian home, just ahead of former placegetters Bernie Sulzberger and Nathan Earle.
- CONTINUES: Pages 32-33