Cycling champ faces court over Olympian wife's death

Rohan Dennis (centre) remained silent throughout proceedings in Adelaide Magistrates Court. (Matt Turner/AAP PHOTOS)

The husband of former Olympic cyclist Melissa Hoskins has faced court for the first time after allegedly killing her with his car.

Rohan Dennis, a former world champion cyclist, was arrested in January and charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life.

Police allege Dennis recklessly struck the 32-year-old mother of two with his car in front of their home in Medindie in Adelaide's inner north on December 30.

Former cycling champ Rohan Dennis has faced court over the death of Olympian wife Melissa Hoskins.

Ms Hoskins was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital but died later that night.

Dennis appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday, remaining silent throughout the proceedings as he stood in the dock.

Magistrate Simon Smart approved a request from prosecutors for a five-month adjournment until his next appearance to allow police to complete a major crash reconstruction.

Dennis has been on bail since his arrest.

Rohan Dennis arrives at Adelaide Magistrates Court
Dennis's lawyer successfully applied for his bail to be varied to remove reporting requirements.

His lawyer Jessica Kurtzer successfully applied for his bail to be varied to remove reporting requirements.

Australia's cycling community was shattered by the news of Ms Hoskins' death.

"Melissa described her team pursuit gold medal at the 2015 world championships as the highlight of her career but for the rest of us, the highlight was just having her around," AusCycling chief executive Marne Fechner said at the time.

"Although she retired in 2017, her presence as an alumnus of the sport has been felt and appreciated by many in the cycling and riding community."

Melissa Hoskins at the Rio Olympics (file image)
Melissa Hoskins competed at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics in the team pursuit.

Ms Hoskins competed at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics on the track in the team pursuit and was in the squad that won the 2015 world title in the event.

She was laid to rest in her hometown of Perth and a public memorial service was held in Adelaide in February on what would have been her 33rd birthday.

Dennis attended both ceremonies.

He will return to court in August, when prosecutors will confirm the charges they will be proceeding with against him.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years' imprisonment.

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store