Pro Biker Rab Wardell, 37, Died Days After Winning Championship

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.


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