Parents of Melissa Hoskins release statement: "Words cannot convey our grief, sadness and the tragic circumstances of Melissa’s passing"

"Words cannot convey our grief, sadness and the tragic circumstances of Melissa’s passing," Peter, Amanda, and Jess conveyed in an official statement written by Peter and published on the website of AusCycling, the Australian cycling federation. "Myself, Amanda, Jess and families, are utterly devastated and still struggling to process what has happened."

"Not only have we lost a daughter and sister, her children have lost their mum, a freewheeling spirit, a giver with a big heart, patience and zest for life," Hoskins' parents said. "She was the rock of their life and ours and we need to honour her memory so they can grow up knowing who she was, what she stood for and what she gave to everyone whose life she touched."

"The outpouring of sadness and support has overwhelmed us. In her short life Melissa has had so many positive touch points in and around the world. The funeral will be held in Perth, her hometown, with a memorial service in Adelaide after the Tour Down Under. We now need to deal with our grief privately and will be making no further comments. We ask that media please respect our privacy and that of Melissa’s children."