‘Difficult to comprehend’: Tributes for retired professional cyclist and mum-of-two Melissa Hoskins

Melissa Hoskins – whose Olympian husband has been charged over the crash that killed her – was a retired professional cyclist whose glittering career began when she was 16.

Retired professional cyclist and devoted mum-of-two Melissa Hoskins had moved to Adelaide with her young family to start a new life.

Ms Hoskins, 32, who died in a crash on Saturday night – with her husband charged over her death – was born in Kalamunda, Western Australia and went to school at Carmel Adventist College, going on to enrol in a Bachelor of Sports Science at Murdoch University.

She began cycling competitively as a 16-year-old and in 2009 she was part of a team which won gold at the junior world championships in Moscow, breaking a junior world record in the process.

In an interview at the time she spoke about her love for her family and friends and pet dog, saying her favourite food was “Mum’s home-cooked meals” and that she was a “trackies and tank tops” girl.

She also had this advice for other young cyclists: “If you want it badly enough, you’ve got to go out and get it. It’s not going to come knocking at the door.”

Melissa Hoskins was part of a team which won gold at the junior world championships in Moscow.

Melissa Hoskins wins the fourth round of the women's NSW Grand Grand Prix criterium series at Coogee in Sydney.

Ms Hoskins participated in the Olympics twice, in 2012 and 2016, and on New Year’s Eve the event website paid tribute to the cycling champion following her death.

“Most of Hoskins’ triumphs came in the velodrome and she helped Australia claim the team pursuit world title in 2015 in France,” a statement on the Olympic website read.

It went on to detail that Ms Hoskins married Mr Dennis in 2018 following “her retirement from the saddle” in 2017.

The Australian Olympic Team also honoured the champion cyclist.

“The AOC has expressed the utmost sadness at the loss of Olympic cyclist Melissa Hoskins after the tragic events in Adelaide,” a statement on social media read.

“Our condolences go to Melissa’s family, friends and the cycling community at this extremely difficult time.”

The worldwide female cycling association, CPA Women, posted on Twitter that it was “shocked” by Ms Hoskins’ death.

Melissa Hoskins celebrates her silver medal in the Women's Scratch Race, at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships, Melbourne in April 2012. Picture: AAP Image/Joe Castro

“Shocked by the news of #MelissaHoskins’ 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,” CPA Women posted to Twitter.

“We will miss you Melissa.”

And veteran Australian cycling commentator Mike Tomalaris said on social media that Ms Hoskins’ death was “difficult to comprehend”.

“This is so sad. A disaster. Difficult to comprehend. Heartbreaking!” he wrote.

Ms Hoskins had been living in Europe, but late last year decided to settle in Adelaide with their two children – a boy and a girl.

Ms Hoskins had already retired from professional cycling and Mr Dennis called time on his 16-year cycling career at the start of this year.

Professional cycling team Jumbo-Visma, who Mr Dennis last raced for before his retirement, paid tribute to Ms Hoskins on their social media – but didn’t mention their former rider.

“It is with deep sadness and regret that we have learnt of the passing of Melissa Dennis Hoskins,” the team posted.

“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.”

Originally published as ‘Difficult to comprehend’: Tributes for retired professional cyclist and mum-of-two Melissa Hoskins