Ex-cycling champ's charges confirmed over wife's death

Prosecutors have confirmed charges against former cycling champion Rohan Dennis over the death of his wife and fellow Olympian Melissa Hoskins last year.

Police allege Dennis, 34, recklessly struck the 32-year-old mother of two while behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Amarok utility, in front of their home in Medindie in Adelaide’s inner-north on December 30.

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

At a charge determination hearing in Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday, prosecutor Talia Costi confirmed police would proceed with charges against Dennis of causing death by dangerous driving and driving without due care.

Jessica Kurtzer, the lawyer for Dennis, told Magistrate John Wells negotiations were underway.

Dennis did not comment to media after leaving court.

Ms Hoskins, a two-time Olympian and world champion track cyclist, was laid to rest in her home city of Perth.

A public memorial service was held in Adelaide in February on what would have been her 33rd birthday.

She had 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.

During his competitive career, Dennis won two world titles in the road time trial, as well as silver in the team pursuit at the 2012 Olympics and bronze in the road time trial at the Tokyo Olympics.

He became the seventh Australian to wear the yellow jersey as race leader at the Tour de France by winning the opening time trial in 2015, setting a race record for his average speed.

Dennis, who has been on bail since his arrest, will reappear in court on October 30 to answer the charges.

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