Rab Wardell, a Scottish mountain bike champion who passed away yesterday, was partnered by Olympian Katie Archibald, who wrote an emotional post about her frantic attempts to revive him.
The 37-year-old had a cardiac arrest while lying in bed next to her at their Glasgow home, and the Team GB athlete tried to revive him.
Just two days after winning the Scottish Cross Country Championship in Kirroughtree Forest near Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire, he tragically passed away on Tuesday morning.
The Olympic gold medalist spoke out this morning, saying that she had “tried and tried” to save him and that her heart had “stopped” along with his.
I believe you’ve heard that Rab passed away yesterday morning,” she tweeted.
I still don’t know what happened; if this is true; or why he would be taken now, when he was so healthy and happy.
While we were in bed, he suffered a cardiac arrest. I tried and tried, and the paramedics arrived within minutes, but his heart stopped and they couldn’t bring him back.
“It stopped at mine.” I really need him here because I love him so much. I need him here so badly, but he’s gone. I struggle to express my pain.
The gold medalist Mrs. Archibald concluded her Twitter thread by saying, “I can’t bear to talk about him in the past tense to say anything myself.” Rab, you are everything to me. I love you.’
The Olympian also favoured a number of tweets honouring Mr. Wardell, including one from Sir Chris Hoy in which he expressed his shock. Absolute heartbreak. Rab, rest in peace.
Callum Skinner, a fellow gold medalist rider, expressed his regret upon learning of the demise of another outstanding Scottish racer. My first recollections of the sport include a powerful, funny personality who would lend a hand to everyone.
The Scottish MTB XC Championships’ men’s championship was won over the weekend by Rab Wardell.
Although Mr. Wardell had grown up riding bikes, he did not begin mountain biking until he was 15 years old.
British Cycling hailed Mr. Wardell’s victory on Sunday as “a sign of remarkable resilience” after he overtook the early leaders to claim the top spot.
He had three punctures throughout the race, but he rebounded to win the gold.
Less than 24 hours before his terrible death, Mr. Wardell had also made an appearance on BBC Scotland on Monday after the triumph.
The Scottish Cross Country Association (SXC), which oversees the mountain bike racing series, said last night that it was “devastated” to confirm Mr. Wardell’s passing during the course of the night.
SXC released the following statement: “We are heartbroken to inform you of the awful news that our friend, our Champion Rab Wardell, passed away overnight.
His tenacity, skill, and friendship will endure in all of our hearts and memories, and he will be sincerely missed by our community. Rab, RIP. Our Champion, Our Inspiration, Our Friend.’
Mr. Wardell, a resident of Glasgow, completed the West Highland Way in nine hours, 14 minutes, and 32 seconds in 2020, setting the record for the quickest time ever.
In addition to competing in the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup series, he represented Scotland in the Commonwealth Games. He spoke about his championship victory on BBC Scotland’s The Nine on Monday night.
It was a little bit of a catastrophe, but I just have to keep racing, said Mr. Wardell. I think I still believed I could overtake the leads and win, so I simply gave it my all.
Last night, condolences to the rider, who was praised for being “modest and cheery,” flooded in.
Chipps Chippendale, a mountain bike journalist, expressed his sorrow after learning of Rab Wardell’s passing.
After a remarkable return to running, he had recently won the Scottish Cross Country Championships when he reportedly died in his sleep.
Rab was a real all-arounder who raced XC, cross, and Enduro with equal skill. He was also modest, upbeat, and very quick.
He was taken away just when he had everything to look forward to, with us along for the trip. A genuine champion has passed away.
Someone who has accomplished so much and inspired so many, as one user put it on social media.
Scottish Cycling released the following statement: “We are sorry to report that Rab Wardell, a renowned mountain cyclist and former employee, died away today.
To his family, friends, and all those in our community who knew him, we extend our love and support.
According to a statement from British Cycling, Rab was a fantastic rider, friend, and representative of our sport. We have his family and many friends in our thoughts.