Death of Melissa Hoskins devastates cycling community after former ...

1 Jan 2024

The international cycling community is in shock after the death of world champion rider Melissa Hoskins in Adelaide.

Rohan Dennis - Figure 1
Photo ABC News
Key points:Tributes are pouring in for former world champion cyclist Melissa HoskinsMs Hoskins's husband, fellow cycling star Rohan Dennis, has been charged over the deathThe couple wed in 2018 and had two children together

The 32-year-old's husband, fellow former star cyclist Rohan Dennis, has been charged over the death — with South Australian Police alleging he was driving a car which hit and killed Ms Hoskins.

Mr Dennis, a two-time world champion and stage winner in the 2015 Tour de France, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life.

He was released on bail to face the Adelaide Magistrates Court again in March.

The nation's top cycling body, AusCycling, described Ms Hoskins's death as a "tragic incident", while CPA Women — a body representing professional female riders — said it was "shocked".

Rohan Dennis was charged with causing the death of his wife, Melissa Hoskins by dangerous driving.(Supplied: Instagram)

Rohan Dennis - Figure 2
Photo ABC News

"We send our thoughts to those who love her, starting with her children, and were lucky enough to ride with her during an all too short life," CPA Women posted on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Cycling champion Anna Meares is among those to have led tributes to Ms Hoskins, posting a message of grief and condolence on Instagram.

"I have a very heavy heart," Meares wrote.

"My thoughts are with their children, family and fellow friends. This is a very difficult and tragic time."

Among the responses to the post was one from fellow former Olympian Leisl Jones, who said she was "thinking of you during this time of grieving".

On its social media accounts, Ms Hoskins's former team GreenEDGE (now known as Team Jayco–AlUla) also expressed its devastation.

"Our thoughts are with her family and friends and the whole cycling community at this deeply saddening time," it stated.

Rohan Dennis - Figure 3
Photo ABC News

"She will never be forgotten."

Australian cycling commentator Mike Tomalaris said the death was "so sad".

"A disaster. Difficult to comprehend. Heartbreaking," Mr Tomalaris posted on social media.

Multiple ambulances were called to the scene at Avenel Gardens Road on Saturday night.(ABC News)

Victim a former track and road cycling star

Ms Hoskins, originally from Perth, and Mr Dennis married in 2018 and had two children, with the family living in Adelaide.

Just days before Ms Hoskins's death, Mr Dennis posted an image on Instagram showing the pair celebrating Christmas with their children.

Ms Hoskins was a renowned road and track cyclist, who represented Australia at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics and won gold in the women's team pursuit at the 2015 world championships.

Track cyclist Melissa Hoskins has died after she was allegedly hit by a car driven by her husband, Rohan Dennis.(ABC Capricornia: Blythe Moore)

At the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, she was involved in a serious crash before the competition — but returned to the track just days later.

Mr Dennis, who is 33, won medals at both the 2012 and 2020 Olympics and won six world championship golds across both track and road riding.

He only retired from professional riding at the end of the 2023 season.

Posted 2 hours agoSun 31 Dec 2023 at 9:38pm, updated 49 minutes agoSun 31 Dec 2023 at 11:21pm

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