Von Hoff takes win number nine into You Yangs

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Steele Von Hoff (Genesys) put in a signature sprint to take yet another National Road Series stage win. Von Hoff edged new Jayco-2XU recruit Ben Hill, while Nathan Haas (Genesys) completed the podium. Today's victory continues a successful month for Von Hoff who took five stage wins in the Tour of Gippsland.

The wet and windy conditions from the morning's opening criterium continued in the afternoon as the peloton navigated the 79.6km road race from Lara to You Yangs.

Promising Queenslander Ryan Macanally (Budget Forklifts) hit the bitumen again in the 79.6km afternoon stage from Lara to the You Yangs, via Anakie, which saw 25 riders fall in one of the worst crashes in the Scody Cup's 16-year history. There were chaotic scenes about 20kms into the race on a straight stretch while ambulance and paramedic personnel attended the injured and police and officials endeavored to clear the road. Victoria's Fergus MacLachlan sustained suspected lower back injuries while Shannon O'Brien was treated for a likely broken collarbone. Both were taken to hospital.

Earlier, on the start line at Lara Sports Club, Queensland's Ben Cutajar sought medical assistance for a cardiac problem and was also transported to hospital.

As officials worked feverishly to restore order to the event, with riders spread out over 20 kilometres, last year's runner-up, Ballarat's Patrick Shaw (Genesys) Queensland's Peter Herzig (Budget) and Victorian Nathan Elliott (Search2Retain) escaped the peleton and established a 50-second lead as the fog-shrouded You Yangs loomed.

With 250 metres remaining of the 2km category 4 climb, Von Hoff swooped and won comfortably by about 20 metres.

"I think I am too lean at the moment," Von Hoff smiled as he stood shivering in the You Yangs mist."It was so cold towards the finish but our Genesys team planned this stage really well and Pat (Shaw) did a great job."

Von Hoff and Shaw were tied on general classification but the Melbournian was awarded the leader's yellow jersey because of his stage victory. Haas was a further three seconds back in third.

A total of 19 riders withdrew from the tour through injury, fatigue, and mechanical failure.

Tomorrow's (Thursday) third stage will be a 63km criterium at Grovedale Primary School, starting at 12 noon.

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