Mountain biker Rab Wardell has died just two days after winning the Scottish championship.
The 37-year-old tragically died in his sleep overnight, it has been confirmed. Wardell, who lived in Glasgow, won the elite men's title at the Scottish MTB XC Championships in Dumfries and Galloway at the weekend.
Just yesterday evening he appeared on BBC Scotland's The Nine programme as he discussed how he had overcome three punctures to win the race. Following the devastating news tributes have flooded in from Wardell's heartbroken loved ones.
The Scottish Cross Country Association, which runs the mountain bike race series, said they were "devastated" to relay the news that Wardell had died overnight.
A statement on their Facebook page 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 Commonwealth Games cyclist set a new record time for completing the West Highland Way in 2020.
Wardell had been racing mountain bikes since his early 20s, but only turned professional earlier this year.
His win at Kirroughtree Forest on Sunday was described as a "show of incredible resilience" by British Cycling after Wardell managed to catch the early race leaders to take the win.
Recalling the race the day after on BBC Scotland's The Nine, he said: "To be honest, it was a bit of a disaster, but I 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 I just gave it my best shot - what more can you do?"
As news broke of Wardell's death on Tuesday evening tributes were paid on social media.
Dan Jarvis said: “Rab Wardell. A one-off. A great racer and even greater person. Sitting in shock. He was on such a high after winning the elusive Scottish Elite XC Championship at the weekend. An incredibly gifted rider and coach but, more than that, a lovely man.
"My thoughts are especially with his loved ones. There never was anyone else quite like Rab. I don’t think there will be again."
Ali Burgess said: “A sad day for Scottish mountain biking. Glad to have known you and called you a friend. Rest in peace buddy.”
Peter Riddell said: "Just devastated by this news, RIP Rab my friend x"
Mateusz Sobanski said: "Rest In Peace Rab. An inspiration and a fighter", and Andrew Fish added: "So sad to hear. A nice guy."
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