A cycling star has died suddenly in his sleep just days after winning a national title. Rab Wardell was just 37 when he passed away.
On Monday night he appeared on television after winning the elite men's title at the Scottish mountain biking championships. And on the show he joked how the event had been a 'bit of a disaster' after facing three punctures but still going on to take the top spot, reports The Mirror.
His death has been confirmed by the Scottish Cross Country Association which paid tribute to the star. Sending condolences to Rab's family they praised the mountain biker as an "inspiration".
In the statement it said: ""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 former Commonweath Games athlete, from Glasgow, posted of his joy at winning the elite men's title at the Scottish MTB XC Championships on social media. Writing on Twitter on Sunday he said: ""Scottish Champion. It’s taken a few years but I can now add the Senior Cross Country title to the Junior and U23 ones I won nearly 2 decades ago."
Wardell appeared on BBC Scotland's 'The Nine' on Monday night to discuss his victory at the Dumfries and Galloway track over the weekend despite having three punctures during the race. He joked: "Unfortunately I think I'm a little too well practiced in managing punctures!
"To be honest, it was a bit of a disaster, but I just had 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 I just gave it my best shot - what more can you do?"
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea
