Rab Wardell: tributes paid to ‘one of life’s good guys’ after champion cyclist dies

It was announced last night that Wardell, who won the elite men’s title at the Scottish MTB XC Championships last weekend, had died.

His partner, Olympic cyclist Katie Archibald, revealed on social media that he went into cardiac arrest while the couple were lying in bed.

She explained: “I think you’ve heard that Rab died yesterday morning. I still don’t understand what’s happened; if this is real; why he’d be taken now - so healthy and happy. 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.”

She added: “I can’t bear to talk about him in the past tense to say anything myself. You mean everything to me, Rab. I love you.”

Wardell appeared on BBC Scotland’s The Nine on Monday evening to talk about his win.

SXC, the Scottish Cross Country Association, posted: “We have the saddest news to share with you all today .

“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 truely 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.”

One friend posted on social media: “So desperately sad and shocking. Such a huge loss to everyone who knew him and to Scottish sport.

“@RabWardell was one of life’s good guys and someone I was so lucky to call a pal over the last few years. Rest easy bud.”