Road race field pays tribute to Olympian Melissa Hoskins
The women’s field at the road nationals in Ballarat on Sunday joined to celebrate the life of Olympian Melissa Hoskins.
The Australian cycling community came together on Sunday to remember Melissa Hoskins, a mother, an Olympian and one of Australia’s best cyclists, as described by those who battled with and against her.
The women’s road race field at the road nationals in Ballarat on Sunday joined to celebrate the life of Hoskins.
Her husband, champion cyclist Rohan Dennis, has been released on bail after being charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life.
South Australian police allege Dennis, 33, was behind the wheel of a utility vehicle that hit Hoskins, 32, near their home in the inner northern Adelaide suburb of Medindie.
She was taken to hospital but died hours later. Dennis will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court in March.
On Sunday, the field paused for a minute’s silence before the race after former Olympic cyclist and Hoskins’s best friend, Kate Bates, shared memories of her.
Riders embraced each other and wept during the tribute.
“Mel, or to some of us, Smelly … was a beacon of strength, determination, and bravery,” Bates said. “Her vibrant spirit and resilience inspired everyone around her. She brought a unique lightheartedness to our lives, making our burdens feel a little lighter, at times literally dancing through the rain clouds to get to the sunshine.
“She was a mother, a daughter, a sister, and a much loved friend. Beyond this, she was an Olympian, a world beater, one of the best athletes Australian cycling has ever seen. Her legacy will not fade as her name remains etched in the record books.
“As we stand here, on the cusp of this race, let us take a moment of silence to remember Mel. Let her unyielding spirit inspire us to push forward, to strive for excellence, and to cherish every moment of this race and of our lives.”
Fittingly both the women’s and men’s races were taken out by Hoskins’ former team, Team Jayco AlUla.
Ruby Roseman-Gannon claimed the women’s event in a sprint finish after being part of the breakaway in the final lap.
It was her first national title in the road race after also claiming the criterium on Friday night.
She said the win was special, not only to celebrate the life of Hoskins but to bring the jersey back to Europe. And for some in the team it had been a tough week, with the tributes set to continue throughout the Australian summer of cycling.
“I never really knew Mel but I think a lot of people are struggling with it,” Roseman-Gannon said.
“We’ve worn black armbands and will continue to do it in the summer of racing.”
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