The Victorian out-sprinted boom youngster Caleb Ewan to claim back-to-back gold medals in a classic finish on the Sturt-Street circuit.

While Von Hoff last year spoke about overcoming nerves, this time he had to live up to self-imposed pressure.

"Ï put so much pressure on myself.

"Ï wanted to win.

"I really wanted to take the national championship jersey to Europe."

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Von Hoff is embarking on a new phase in his career, having signed up with British-based NFTO Pro Cycling Team.

After playing second fiddle to a dominant Ewan in the Victoria criterium series, the Bay Classic, in the past week, Von Hoff knew he had the task ahead of him to beat who he describes as the "new Mark Cavendish" in front of more than 6000 people.

He said the key had been learning from the "Bay Crits"" experience.

"I just took his wheel and I learned from Portarlington, where he absolutely whooped me," Von Hoff said.

"I just left it too late to drop my gear. I dropped my gears earlier and, as soon as he went, I was right on him in his slipstream."

Von Hoff said in some ways this year's win had been more satisfying than the first.

"Ï didn't think I'd do it., but I did."

Von Hoff said with Ewan having just the one Orica-GreenEDGE teammate (Leigh Howard) to help him, he was never going to get a better chance to beat the emerging youngster.

"If I was going to beat him, this was the one."

West Australian, Scott Sutherland finished third.

Ewan praised Howard's support.

He said Howard had ridden well and given him every chance for the win.

"I might have come off the wheel too early (to start his final sprint), but it doesn't matter," Ewan said.

"It's pretty obvious I came here with the one goal and ambition - to win.

"Obviously I am a little bit disappointed, but that happens.

"You can't win all the time."

The championships continue today with the individual time trials, which return to Buninyong.

Cycling Australia describes the elite men's time trial as the best field ever assembled for an Australian title in the discipline.

Triple world time trial champion Michael Rogers, who was prominent in last night's criterium, headlines the line-up two-time champion Luke Durbridge (WA), Jack Bobridge (SA), Damian Howson (SA) andCampbell Flakemore (TAS), who have all been world udner-23 time trial champions.

Michael Hepburn is the reigning champion, while Cameron Meyer won the title in 2010 and 2011.