Antony Gobert dead aged 48: Eight-time World Superbike race winner passes away after long battle with addiction

ANTHONY GOBERT has passed away at the age of 48.

The eight-time World Superbike race winner had struggled with addiction for a long time.

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Anthony Gobert has passed away aged 48[/caption]

Gobert’s mother announced the Austalian’s passing in a statement on social media.

She wrote: “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.”

The heartbreaking news comes after Gobert’s brother Aaron had recently announced the star was in palliative care.

Gobert was known as “The Go Show” during his career that saw him become the youngest ever race winner in World Superbike history in 1994.

Tributes have poured in for the superbike superstar with many taking to social media to pay tribute to Gobert.

One wrote: “Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Anthony Gobert, an exceptionally talented motorcycle racer with a career full of accolades many could only dream of.”

While another added: “Anthony Gobert was always entertaining, both on and off the bike. A real character and a prodigious talent who endured some difficult times in later life. RIP Go Show.”

Gobert struggled with drug and alcohol abuse in his later life as well as during his career.

The Aussie sensation lost his ride with the Suzuki factory 500cc Grand Prix team in 1997 after he failed a drugs test.

The Go Show won eight races during his time on the track and made the World Superbike podium 16 times throughout his career.