The Australian cycling community is mourning the loss of Melissa Hoskins, a two-time Olympian and former world champion cyclist. The 32-year-old mother of two died in the hospital after being struck by a ute on December 30 in Adelaide’s inner north. The tragedy has left many in shock and sorrow.
Rohan Dennis, her husband and an Olympic cycling medallist, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care, and endangering life. Multiple media outlets reported on the arrest, and he has been bailed to appear in Adelaide Magistrates Court in March.
Melissa Hoskins, who also used her married name Melissa Dennis on Facebook, was described as a popular and talented competitor who had a significant presence in the cycling community. She competed at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics on the track in the team pursuit and was part of the squad that won the 2015 world title in the event.
She was known for her dedication to the sport and had a successful career competing on the road as well. Although she retired in 2017, her influence and impact on the cycling and riding community were deeply appreciated. Her husband Rohan Dennis, a successful cyclist himself, was also scheduled to participate in an event at the Tour Down Under in Adelaide this month, but after the tragic loss of his wife, he will no longer be participating.
The devastating news of Melissa Hoskins’s death has left many in the cycling community grieving the loss of a young mother and champion cyclist. Her presence and impact will be deeply missed by those who knew her and appreciated her as a talented and admired member of the cycling world.