Two days after winning the Scottish championship, mountain cyclist Rab Wardell, 37, passed away while he was sleeping. Wardell took first place in the elite men’s division at the Scottish MTB XC Championships in Dumfries and Galloway.
On Monday night’s episode of The Nine on BBC Scotland, the rider discussed how he overcame three flat tires to win the competition. In 2020, the former Commonwealth Games cyclist established a new record for finishing the West Highland Way.
Wardell, a resident of Glasgow, had been competing in mountain bike races since he was in his early 20s, but he only went pro this year.
British Cycling praised Wardell’s victory at Kirroughtree Forest on Sunday as a “display of remarkable resilience” after he overtook the early leaders to claim the win.
Learn About Cyclist Rab Wardell Death Cause
On the night of August 22, Rab passed away peacefully in his sleep; however, more information about his death isn’t disclosed by his family or friends.
Rab was interviewed by BBC Scotland yesterday on his accomplishments, notably his victory in the senior division in the Scottish MTB XC Championships over the weekend. Rab had already won the Junior and U23 divisions in the same series.
When Rab Wardell acquired his first mountain bike in 1999, a lengthy career in racing and ultimately coaching was launched. He has achieved success in a number of sports, including XC and Enduro. His attention has recently shifted to marathon running.
The driver discussed how he overcame three flat tires to win the race when he spoke on Monday night on BBC Scotland’s The Nine. In 2020, the former Commonwealth Games cyclist broke his previous record for finishing the West Highland Road.
Rab Wardell Family Tribute After His Death
It is official that the 37-year-old unfortunately passed away while sleeping the previous night. At the Scottish MTB XC Championships in Dumfries and Galloway, Wardell, a Glasgow resident, won the elite men’s title. His family is devastated by the news.
He first tried mountain biking when he was 14 or 15 years old while on a family vacation in Aviemore, Scotland. David, his brother, already owned a mountain bike and had rented a second one from a shop for the weekend. Later, David became a member of Sandy Wallace Cycles, our neighborhood cycling club.
Many highs and lows have occurred on the path to the present. He toured the globe for competitions and coaching opportunities. He experienced both wins and, naturally, defeats.
The Scottish Cross Country Association, which oversees the mountain bike competitions, expressed its “devastation” at sharing the news of Wardell’s passing. We extend our deepest sympathies to his friends, family, and loved ones, read a statement on the association’s Facebook page.
Rab Wardell Career And Journey
Rab Wardell recounted how he overcame three punctures to win the race yesterday evening on BBC Scotland’s The Nine program. Following the heartbreaking news, tributes from Wardell’s distraught loved ones have poured in.
Although Wardell had been competing in mountain bike races since his early 20s, he only went pro this year.
British Cycling praised Wardell’s victory at Kirroughtree Forest on Sunday as a “display of remarkable resilience” after he overtook the early leaders to claim the win.
He commented, “To be honest, it was a bit of a disaster, but I just have to carry on trucking and keep racing,” when asked about the race on BBC Scotland’s The Nine the next day.