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Simon Sharp, Hope co-founder, passes away

A tragic loss

It is with great sadness that we report Hope’s co-founder, Simon Sharp, passed away on Monday July 4.

Sharp was found dead at his home earlier this week and it is believed that CTE, a degenerative brain disease that arises from concussions, may have contributed to his death.

Simon was one of the founders of Barnoldswick’s Hope Technology alongside his friend and fellow Rolls Royce aerospace engineer Ian Weatherill.

A company statement said: “Every product in Hope’s almost 30 years history has had influence and input from him, from the disc brakes that originally made Hope famous through to the latest carbon fibre products. He was still in the factory every day keeping his watchful eye over all Hope’s product development, quietly working in the background, never seeking attention.”

Simon was also an accomplished, competitive mountain biker, riding at the highest level. Last year he raced his mountain bike in several rounds of the Enduro World Series in the Masters category for competitor’s over 40 years old and embarrassed many riders more than a decade younger than him with his excellent results.

He leaves his wife Alison and three children, Sam, Katherine and Heather. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by all he knew him.

Our thoughts at Dirt are with Simon’s family, friends and all those who work at Hope Technology.

Tributes

Tributes are pouring in for Simon from all over the mountain biking world. Simon’s death has been felt heavily and he has had a clear effect on some of Britain’s mountain biking legends:

Gutted and shocked to hear the Sad news of Simon Sharpe's passing. Thoughts to all his family and everyone at Hope. RIP Sharpy mate.

A photo posted by Steve Peat (@stevepeat) on

Forever grateful for the opportunities this man has given me. Whistler Top of the World 2015. Doing what we love ????

A photo posted by Adam Brayton (@adbrayton) on

Humble doesnt even come close to explaining this man, i remember my first visit to @hopetech and being blown away by how tight knitted everyone was throughout the factory; there was no "us and them" feel between the staff and Simon, he'd often be seen cruising round chatting to everyone with that infectious chuckle and grin. A devastating loss but in true Sharp grafter style the Boss' spirit will always be around, thinking of you and the family @sammysharp43 – Rest well Simon X

A photo posted by Josh Lewis (@loosedoglewis) on

Really sad to hear the news about Simon Sharp from Hope. Lovely bloke and part of a great company that has helped me a lot over the years. Thoughts to Sam and the Hope family.

A photo posted by Neil Donoghue (@neildonoghue) on

Gone but never ever ever forgotten, @simon.sh will be with us on every single ride.

A photo posted by Trippin (@trippinfellaz) on

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