Scottish professional mountain biker Rab Wardell has died at the age of 37, just days after winning the Scottish MTB XC Championship, Scottish Cycling confirmed in a statement shared on its official website Tuesday.
"Scottish Cycling is devastated to confirm the news that international mountain biker and former employee, Rab Wardell, has passed away today," the statement reads. "We have very little information at this stage, but we send our love and support to his family, friends, and all those in the cycling community who knew him.
"We ask that you respect Rab’s family’s privacy at this incredibly sad time."
Wardell's partner, track cyclist Katie Archibald, said the 37-year-old went into "cardiac arrest" in a tweet shared on Tuesday.
"I still don't understand what's happened; if this is real; why he'd be taken now - so healthy and happy," Archibald wrote. "He went into cardiac arrest while we were lying in bed. I tried and tried, and the paramedics arrived within minutes, but his heart stopped and they couldn't bring him back. Mine stopped with it. I love him so much and need him here with me. I need him here so badly, but he's gone. I can't describe this pain. "
Wardell was just two days removed from competing in and winning the Scottish MTB XC Championships in Dumfries and Galloway on Sunday (August 23) and hours removed from an appearance on BBC Scotland's The Nine to discuss his victory Monday (April 24) night.
"To be honest, it was a bit of a disaster, but I just have to keep on trucking and keep racing," Wardell said via BBC.com. "I guess I still felt confident that I'd be able to catch the leaders and win so I just gave it my best shot - what more can you do?"
The mountain biker had been competing since his teens but had just turned professional in 2022, according to BBC.com.
Colin Cowherd Ranks the Top 10 NFL Teams After Week 1 of the Preseason
Ben Maller: Fernando Tatis Jr. is a Tarnished Dope and MLB's Quasimodo
NFL Reporter Says Tom Brady Has Looked 'Miserable' at Bucs Training Camp
Rob Parker: Nets, Joe Tsai, Should Fire Everyone Kevin Durant Wants Them To
Jason Whitlock: The United States Doesn't Care About Brittney Griner
Clay Travis Rips 'Woke' Jalen Rose For Saying Mt. Rushmore is Offensive
Colin Cowherd Mocks Aaron Rodgers For His Usage of Ayahuasca, Psychedelics
Jason Whitlock: Brittney Griner Receiving 'Special Treatment' From US Gov't
Jason Whitlock: Brian Flores is a 'Snitch' Who Hurt Cause For Black Coaches
Colin Cowherd Makes His Five Biggest Guarantees For the Upcoming NFL Season