Motions

Zeinab, Mr A.

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. C. Bonaros:

That this council—

1. Congratulates young South Australian born and educated man, Abdullah Zeinab, who has, on 19 June 2019 at 7.30am South Australian time, won the Trans Am (across the United States of America) Bike Race;

2. Celebrates the formidable achievement of Abdullah in winning this unassisted bike race, crossing the United States of America from west to east, a distance of some 6,745 kilometres, in the record-breaking time of 16 days, 9 hours and 56 minutes;

3. Notes that Abdullah led the race from the start and has stayed ahead of the field of 74 entrants throughout the gruelling route;

4. Recognises Abdullah’s past achievements in Australia, in winning the Australian Perth to Sydney race in 2018; and

5. Thanks Abdullah for the inspiring example he sets for young Australians to persist in pursuing their goals, dreams and passions.

(Continued from 19 June 2019.)

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (21:49): I rise on behalf of the opposition to wholeheartedly support the motion. To win the Trans Am Bike Race is no small thing. It is a gruelling trek across the United States, with participants covering almost twice the distance of the 2019 Tour de France. Unlike races that many of us may be familiar with, there are no breaks—the clock does not stop to give you time to eat, to sleep or to get back on your bike for the next day. Instead, much of the challenge is on pacing yourself, understanding when to rest and when to keep pushing. Riders must be prepared for all situations, from weather conditions to unexpected repairs, and all sorts of other challenges along the way. Participants must be self-supported; they cannot accept assistance from supporters or others.

To have a South Australian-born participant complete the race would be an achievement in itself, yet Abdullah Zeinab—born and educated in our state—won this year's Trans Am Bike Race and smashed records in the process. With a total time of 16 days, nine hours and 56 minutes, Mr Zeinab broke the previous record by some 10 hours. He told The Advertiser earlier this year that his successful strategy included riding from hotel to hotel, occasionally stopping for a power nap on the roadside.

My favourite part of this is that The Age reported that Mr Zeinab's ride was fuelled by more than 100 hash browns picked up at diners across the United States. Mr Zeinab's efforts were immense and his achievements extraordinary in taking out the race and breaking his previous records. Labor joins with members across the parliament in congratulating Mr Zeinab in all that he has achieved. He has done himself and his home state very proud. I commend the motion to the council.

The Hon. C. BONAROS (21:51): I thank honourable members for their contributions and again congratulate Abdullah Zeinab on his most amazing feat. We are privileged to have the opportunity to stand in this place and speak on such a diverse range of issues, and this motion reflects that. Sometimes it is the simple things, the happy things, that give the greatest pleasure. I have spoken in this place on all manner of issues. I only wish I could get the same positive reaction to this motion on many of those other issues. So popular was the support for Abdullah and his achievement that we managed to get in excess of 30,000 views and hundreds of messages of support from the world over.

I spoke to Abdullah recently about his rockstar status in the cycling fraternity, and he was absolutely blown away by the level of support that he received, the media interest that he received, and he was completely and utterly astounded but very humbled and grateful for the outpouring of support, as was I. It was deserving support, and I again commend him for his actions. It is an amazing record and an amazing achievement. Again, I congratulate Abdullah and I look forward to that dinner that I have promised him on his next visit to Adelaide.

Motion carried.