16 April 2019
Retired international road cyclist and ambassador for cycling in SA, Patrick Jonker will be made a Fellow of the University of South Australia in recognition of his contribution to the sport and to the South Australian community, including the University of South Australia.
Two-time Olympic cyclist, professional cyclist on the global circuit and winner of the Route du Sud, the Grand Prix de Wallonje and in 2004 the Tour Down Under, Jonker began his career cycling the undulating hills of the Onkaparinga and Fleurieu Peninsula, before heading off to the US and Europe.
Since his retirement in 2004 he has been a passionate advocate for the Tour Down Under, a media commentator on the competitive cyclists’ perspective, a mentor and advisor to hundreds of budding cyclists, an advocate for cycling for fun and fitness and a great fundraiser for cancer research, through the Ride for Reason campaign.
UniSA Vice Chancellor Professor David Lloyd says Jonker is one of the State’s great sporting leaders.
“Where others might have parked their bike and relaxed after retirement from active sport, Patrick has continued to contribute his time and expertise to cycling, to promoting good health and to fundraising for important medical research,” Prof Lloyd says.
“Proud of his home state but personally humble, he is a consistent personality at the Tour Down Under, using his multi-lingual talents to make all feel welcome here.
“He has a deep admiration for the power of education and research to fight the big diseases and devotes his time, energy and expertise to raising funds for research and raising the profile of research.
“We are very proud to welcome him as a Fellow of the University”
Media contact: Michèle Nardelli phone: +61 418 823 673 or +61 882960854 email: michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au
