Driver jailed after hitting and killing Melbourne triathlete

A man who hit and killed a cyclist in Melbourne has been jailed.

Joshua Moloney, 31, thought he hit a pole when he ran over and killed Michelle Ruitenbeek, 50, a Melbourne triathlete, on the Nepean Highway in Chelsea in 2019.

Moloney wiped away tears and sobbed on Thursday as he was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in jail.

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The court heard Ruitenbeek was seriously injured and subsequently died after being hit while riding her bike.

Moloney had pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and said he did not know he had hit anyone and instead thought he had hit a pole.

Moloney's legal team had asked for a lengthy community correction order instead of jail time.

In sentencing, Supreme Court Judge Lex Lasry was stunned as to how Moloney was so "oblivious" to the cyclist riding in front of him.

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"I frankly find it difficult to understand, you failed to realise you had hit her," Lasry said.

"Ms Ruitenbeek was a serious, competitive and capable cyclist who had done everything to make herself visible."

It was accepted Moloney was genuinely remorseful and was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and he now struggles with anxiety and PTSD.

The 31-year-old will be eligible for parole in 18 months.