Helmeted heads bowed, the usually excited build-up to a race start instead saw competitors observe a minute of silence for Olympian Melissa Hoskins.
Rohan Dennis, also an Olympic cyclist, is alleged to have been at the wheel and is charged with causing the death amid an act to endanger life.
Today’s Australian Road Cycling Championships in Ballarat was the first time the shocked Australian riding community has been together since.
“Mel was a mother, a daughter, a sister, a very much loved friend and beyond this she was an Olympian, a world-beater and one of the best athletes Australian cycling has and will ever see,” race leaders said in a tribute speech.
“Mel was a beacon of strength, determination and bravery. Her vibrant spirit and resilience inspired everyone around her.
“She brought a unique light-heartedness to our lives.”
Many at the women’s race start knew Hoskins well.
Christian Ashby said “everyone’s devastated”.
“It’s pretty shocking to see a loss of life and a fellow cyclist lose their life in tragic circumstances.” he said.
Gracie Elvin was a colleague.
“I had the pleasure of racing with her for a few years and she was a really strong part of the team, a super loyal teammate and will be greatly missed,” she said.
The next event on the cycling calendar is the biggest, the Tour Down Under in Adelaide.
Dennis is a former winner and was to be an ambassador this year but he’s now been dropped from the program.
