Cal Gaunt
Mountain biker Rab Wardell died just two days after winning the Scottish Championship.
The 37-year-old, from Glasgow, Scotland, died in his sleep, according to a statement. Wardell won the elite men’s title at the Scottish MTB XC Championships, and subsequently appeared on television on Monday night to celebrate.
The statement from the Scottish Cross Country Association read: “Our deepest sympathy to his friends, family and loved ones.
Watch Rab Wardell appear on TV shortly before his tragic death…
“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.”
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Wardell took to Twitter on Sunday after winning gold and spoke of his delight at having added to the junior title he’d won earlier in his career.
He posted: “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.”
He overcame two punctures to win the title on Sunday, and joked that the event had been ‘a bit of a disaster’.
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Appearing on BBC Scotland’s The Nine on Monday night to discuss his victory, Wardell said: “Unfortunately I think I’m a little too well practised 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?”
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