Days after it was revealed that he was seriously ill, Anthony Gobert passed away at the age of 48. The former rider had a career in the World Superbike Championship but also competed in the 500cc – the premier class that preceded the current MotoGP.
The news was shared on social media by Anthony’s mother, Suzanne Gobert: ‘My heart is breaking as I write this as my first born beautiful son Anthony has passed late this afternoon. I loved him from the moment he was born until the day I die. At times he was challenging to say the least but he always had a kind heart and cared for everyone. Sadly he was a victim of addiction which runs deeply in our families. He tried many times to get better but he couldn’t quite make it. I am so proud of him and thank all those good people who added to his life. You know who you are’.
It was known that Anthony Gobert was in the final stages of life in palliative care at a hospital in Australia, due to an undisclosed health condition. Drug abuse was a hurdle for the Australian, who during his career competed in motocross before making a name for himself in WSBK, where he won several races between 1994 and 2000. He also competed in the 500cc, where he was a factory rider for Suzuki in 1997 but was dismissed midway through the season for failing a drug test.
To Anthony Gobert’s grieving family and friends, Motorcycle Sports expresses heartfelt condolences.