Minutes silence to be held prior to Australian championships women's road race following passing of Melissa Hoskins

The tragic death of Melissa Hoskins rocked the cycling world when news of it broke over the New Year. Nowhere was the heartache felt more so than in the former track world champion's homeland of Australia.

With the Australian National Championships taking place this week, a minutes silence will be held on Sunday prior to the start of the women's elite road race.

“It’s been a really dark week,” says Grace Brown after taking the victory in the women's elite individual time-trial. “The cycling community is struggling to comprehend it really. Personally, I’m just super-sad for Mel and her family, really thinking of them. It’s just a shadow over the summer of cycling.”

“It’s an absolute tragedy and my heart goes out to Mel’s family – with all my heart. It’s devastating,” added Brodie Chapman, saying that a remembrance being held in honour of Hoskins was “100% necessary.”

Hoskins' husband and former world champion time-trialist, Rohan Dennis is currently out on bail having been charged with causing death by dangerous driving following the incident.