Source: Rab Wardell website
A 37-year-old professional mountain biker died in his sleep just two days after winning the Scottish bike championship.
Cyclist Rab Wardell from Glasgow, Scotland died Tuesday, August 23.
Reports claimed he died of a heart attack, although the exact cause of death is yet unknown.
Source: SXC (Scottish Cross Country Association)/Facebook
Rab Wardell had just won the elite men’s title at the Scottish MTB XC Championships, which took place over the weekend in Dumfries and Galloway.
A day before he died, Rab appeared on Monday night’s episode of BBC Scotland’s The Nine, where he discussed his victory in the race despite suffering three flat tires.
“Unfortunately, I’m probably a little bit too well practiced in managing punctures,” Rab said when asked how he contained himself with three punctures.
“To be honest it was a bit of a disaster,” he added.
“But just have to keep on trucking and keep racing.
“I guess I still felt confident that I’d be able to catch the leaders and win so yeah, just gave it my best shot. What more can you do?”
Watch the video:
“To be honest, it was a bit of a disaster…”
Scottish XC mountain bike champion Rob Wardell tells #TheNine how he won the race despite suffering three punctures
pic.twitter.com/drxZFVBsI8
— The Nine (@BBCScotNine) August 22, 2022
He shared the news of his victory on Instagram on Monday.
Rab wrote about his ambition in an article that was posted on his website a week before he died.
“If you put me on the spot I’d tell you that my ambition is to be the best mountain bike marathon rider I can be. It’s the discipline I enjoy the most and the courses tick all the boxes of why I enjoy riding and racing a bike,” he wrote.
Source: Scottish Cycling/Twitter
The Scottish Cross Country Association extended its condolences to Rab’s family after learning of his loss.
“We have the saddest news to share with you all today,” SXC wrote on their Facebook page.
“We are devastated to relay to you the tragic news that our friend, our Champion Rab Wardell has died overnight. Our deepest sympathy to his friends, family, and loved ones.
“He will be truly missed by our community and his determination, talent and friendship will live on in all our hearts and memories.
“I’m sure more eloquent words will be written by many but RIP Rab. Our Champion, Our Inspiration, Our Friend,” the post concluded.
British Cycling also paid their respect: “We are devastated to confirm the news that international mountain biker & former employee, Rab Wardell, has passed away today.”
“We have very little information at this stage, but we send our love & support to his family, friends & all those in our community who knew him.
“We ask that you respect Rab’s family’s privacy at this incredibly sad time,” the post concluded.
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