Melissa Hoskins: Tributes paid to former Olympic cyclist after car death

Melissa Hoskins (right) won team pursuit gold with Australia at the 2015 World Cycling Championships

Tributes have been paid to former Olympic cyclist Melissa Hoskins, who died after she was hit by a car in Adelaide on Saturday.

The 32-year-old represented Australia at two Olympic Games and was a world champion in the team pursuit in 2015.

Hoskins' husband, fellow Australian cyclist Rohan Dennis, has reportedly been charged with causing her death.

The Australian Olympic Committee confirmed Hoskins' death on social media platform X on Monday.

"The AOC has expressed the utmost sadness at the loss of Olympic cyclist Melissa Hoskins after the tragic events in Adelaide," it said in a statement.

"Our condolences go to Melissa's family, friends and the cycling community at this extremely difficult time."

Hoskins and Dennis married in 2018 and have two children.

Hoskins suffered serious injuries and was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for treatment but died overnight.

South Australia Police said the driver was known to Hoskins and has been released on bail until March.

The police statement added that a man, 33, had been arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life.

Olympic gold medallist Anna Meares, who was a team-mate of Hoskins' at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games, posted a photo of them together on X.

"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. RIP Melissa Hoskins."

CPA Women, the worldwide association for female cyclists, added: "Shocked by the news of Melissa 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.

"We will miss you Melissa."

JumboVisma, the World Tour cycling team that Dennis represented from 2022, also posted on X: "It is with deep sadness and regret that we have learnt of the passing of Melissa Dennis Hoskins.

"We would like to extend our condolences to her family, friends and acquaintances. We wish them every strength in the face of this great loss."