Rohan Dennis charged over death of Olympian cyclist Melissa Hoskins

Mike Tomalaris, a former long-time SBS cycling presenter and Tour de France host, said on social media Hoskins’ death and Dennis’ arrest was “difficult to comprehend”.

“This is so sad. A disaster,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Heartbreaking!”

CPA Women, the international association of professional female cyclists, said it was shocked by Hoskins’ death.

“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,” the union said on social media. “We will miss you Melissa.”

SBS cycling commentator Matthew Keenan also paid tribute.

“My thoughts are with Melissa Hoskins, her kids, family and friends. #RIP,” he posted on X.

Australian pro-cyclist Tiffany Cromwell said on Instagram she “can’t quite believe the news”. “A life gone far too young. RIP Mel,” she wrote.

Born in Perth in 1991, Hoskins also competed in road cycling between 2012 and 2015 with Australian professional team GreenEDGE. She married Dennis in February 2018, following her retirement from cycling the previous year.

Police said major crash officers attended the scene of the death along with detectives from the Criminal Investigation Branch to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Dennis twice won stages of the Tour de France in 2015, including stage one after which he held the yellow, green and white jerseys concurrently. He is a two-time Olympic medallist, won a silver medal for the team pursuit in 2012 and a bronze medal for the men’s individual time trial in 2021. He also claimed the world hour record in 2015.

AAP, with Ashleigh McMillan

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