Von Hoff's star continues to rise with Launceston - New Norfolk win

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Genesys Wealth Advisers' sprint sensation Steele Von Hoff claimed his 17th win of the 2011 National Road Series with a hard-fought victory in the brutal 208 kilometre Launceston – New Norfolk Classic in Tasmania. Von Hoff proved too good for the fast finishing Russians with Alexander Serov and Alexi Markov rounding out the podium despite a committed chase by the V Australia team who had been expected to push Genesys all the way.

Sixty kilometres into the race, the 12 kilometre climb of Mount Poatina, which peaks at the gradient of 7.6 per cent, proved quite the test for 23-year-old Von Hoff, as he struggled to stay in touch with the lead group of riders but was well-supported by teammates Pat Shaw and Nathan Haas who later said via twitter that he had: "Never seen anybody hurt like Von Hoff did today."

Von Hoff, who is chasing opportunities in Europe for 2012 and gaining plenty of attention, realised the importance of today's win with race wins of longer distances high on his agenda over the next few months.

"I had never raced so far before and the course, boy it was hard," the former boiler-maker said. "My team-mates pulled themselves inside out for me. I needed to win a long, tough race."

Von Hoff will sit out this week's 10-stage Tour of Tasmania in preparation for his assault on the Jayco Herald Sun Tour in Victoria, beginning October 12.

In a fine display of strength and determination, Von Hoff chased down lead pair of Markov and Serov who appeared to have the race within their grasp, over the final 50 metres.

Local rider Ben Mather (Lawson Homes) claimed the King of Poatina title enroute to the mountains and sprint classification after 61 kilometre solo escape before being reeled in around 20 kilometres from the finish at the Derwent Valley Council chambers.

Full results