Girlfriend's awful reveal after death of champion cyclist Rab Wardell

The cycling world has been left shocked by the death of champion Scottish rider Rab Wardell at age 37.

Wardell died on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest just two days after taking victory at the national championships in Scotland.

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Wardell won the men’s elite race at the Scottish MTB XC Championships at Kirroughtree Forest in Dumfries and Galloway last weekend.

The veteran cross country racer competed at the Commonwealth Games in 2006, and only turned professional earlier this year after a long amateur career.

“We are devastated to confirm the news that international mountain biker and former employee, Rab Wardell, has passed away today,” a statement from Scottish Cycling said.

“We have very little information at this stage, but we send our love and support to his family, friends and all those in our community who knew him.”

Wardell's partner and Olympic champion Katie Archibald has since revealed how she tried to resuscitate him after he suffered the cardiac arrest while they were lying in bed together.

“I think you’ve heard that Rab died yesterday morning. I still don’t understand what’s happened; if this is real; why he’d be taken now – so healthy and happy," the two-time Olympic gold medallist wrote on Twitter.

“He went into cardiac arrest while we were lying in bed. I tried and tried and the paramedics arrived within minutes, but his heart stopped and they couldn’t bring him back. Mine stopped with it.

“I love him so much and need him here with me. I need him here so badly, but he’s gone. I can’t describe this pain.

“Thank you to those making tributes. I can’t bear to talk about him in the past tense to say anything myself. You mean everything to me, Rab. I love you.”

Rab Wardell died just hours after TV appearance

Wardell overcame several tyre punctures on the final lap to win the elite men’s title on Sunday.

He died just hours after appearing on BBC Scotland’s 'The Nine' program evening to talk about his victory.

“To be honest, it was a bit of a disaster, but I just have to keep on trucking and keep racing,” Wardell said.

“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?”

Sir Chris Hoy tweeted: "Can’t believe this. Utterly heartbreaking. Rest in peace Rab."

Olympic mountain bike champion Tom Pidcock said of Wardell: “I didn’t know him personally but by all accounts he seems like a lovely guy and it’s pretty devastating.

“All I can say is my thoughts are with his friends and family.”

Former road racer and Scot David Millar tweeted: “So very sad to learn of Rab Wardell leaving us. Properly hard to comprehend.”

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