Rohan Dennis dumped from Tour Down Under family ride after wife Melissa Hoskins’ death

Rohan Dennis was set to take part in a Tour Down Under “family ride”. But after his wife’s tragic death, organisers have made a call.

Two-time world champion cyclist Rohan Dennis has been dumped from leading a family ride event as part of the upcoming Tour Down Under after he was charged over his wife’s death after she was allegedly struck by a ute.

Mr Dennis was arrested on Saturday night at Medindie after retired professional cyclist and mother-of-two Melissa Hoskins was allegedly hit by a grey ute on Avenel Gardens Road.

Dennis after winning stage 2 at the 2023 Tour Down Under. Picture: Tim de Waele/Getty Images

She later died from her injuries in hospital and Mr Dennis was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life.

He has been bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on March 13.

Mr Dennis due to be the faces of the Tour Down Under’s family ride on January 13, around the Down Under Classic street circuit in the Adelaide CBD.

On Sunday, his details were removed from the TDU’s website in the wake of Ms Hoskins’ tragic death.

On Monday, the TDU confirmed Mr Dennis would not be involved with the 2024 event in any form.

“We are devastated by the news of Melissa Hoskins’ death. It’s an extremely tragic situation which has seen the loss of a young mum and champion cyclist,” the TDU said in a statement.

“We would like to express our deepest sympathies to all those impacted including family, friends and the broader cycling community.

“Given the circumstances, Rohan Dennis will no longer be participating in activities in the Santos Tour Down Under 2024.”

Dennis won the TDU in 2015. Picture: Sarah Reed

Mr Dennis won the 2015 edition of the TDU and has had multiple top five finishes in the race.

The South Australian won Stage 2 of the 2023 TDU at Victor Harbor and wore the Ochre Jersey for a day before relinquishing it after he had issues with his bike.

Originally published as Rohan Dennis dumped from Tour Down Under family ride after wife Melissa Hoskins’ death