Anthony Gobert, the former superbike rider, has died at the age of 48

Mourning in the world of motorcycling which sadly learns the news of death of Anthony Gobert. The Australian rider, protagonist in Superbike in the 90s, was 48 years old and suffered from an illness that led to his death. Just a few days ago, the former pilot's two younger brothers, Aaron and Alex, announced that the disease that had affected him was in the terminal stage and that he was receiving palliative care.

Talent and recklessness

Gobert rose to prominence in Superbike in 1994 when, on the occasion of the home race in Australia, he received a wild card and surprised everyone that weekend by conquering, practically unknown, pole position, a victory and a third place. The following year he finished the season in fourth place with two victories under his belt, but Gobert's rise was short-lived and soon turned into decline. 

In 1997 Gobert won the trust of Suzuki who entrusted him with one of his motorbikes in the 500 class of the MotoGP, but shortly afterwards the Australian driver tested positive in an anti-doping test, being first suspended and then fired by the Japanese manufacturer. In 1999 he tried to start again, returning to Superbike, and once again winning the race at Philipp Island, but it remained an isolated exploit with Gobert who, perhaps unable to handle the pressure, was unable to return to the levels of a few years earlier. After racing in some national championships in Australia, the United States, Great Britain and France, Gobert retired from racing in 2007. After his retirement, the Australian driver had to deal with problems related to drug and alcohol addiction.