Tears flow as Melissa Hoskins is honored with emotional tribute at nationals: 'Mel was a beacon of strength'

Melissa Hoskins is remembered with a minute's silence before the start of the women's road race at the Australian Road Cycling Championships.

Riders were emotional at the start line in Buninyong, near Ballarat, on Sunday morning as the 32-year-old mother of two was honored a week after her death.

A popular figure in the sport, Hoskins was a two-time Olympian and world champion.

Kate Bates, also a former Olympic cyclist and now commentator on the sport, paid tribute to Hoskins.

“Mel was a beacon of strength, determination and courage. Her vibrant spirit and resilience inspired everyone around her,” Bates said.

Riders and staff observed a minute's silence before the start of the women's road race

“Mel was a mother, a daughter, a sister, a much-loved friend and beyond that she was an Olympian, a world beater and one of the best athletes Australian cycling… will ever see.

'As we stand here on the eve of this race, let us take a moment of silence to remember Mel.

“Let her indomitable spirit inspire us to move forward and strive for excellence, and to cherish every moment of this race and of our lives.”

The women's Tour Down Under will also commemorate Hoskins with a minute's silence before the start of the first stage on January 12 in Hahndorf, in the Adelaide Hills.

“It's a very, very difficult situation and we sympathize with everyone involved,” said Tour women's race director Annette Edmondson, a national teammate of Hoskins on the track in the team pursuit.

“There will be moments and it will be tough at times.”

Dennis (left) has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, careless driving and endangering life

Hoskins died in Adelaide from injuries sustained in a road traffic incident.

Her husband, two-time world cycling champion and Olympic medalist Rohan Dennis, faces several charges in Hoskins' death.