A champion mountain bike rider has died at home just two days after winning a major competition. 

Rab Wardell took the top prize at the Scottish MTB XC Championships in Dumfries and Galloway at the weekend.

The 37-year-old suffered a heart attack at home just 48 hours after his triumph.

He had appeared on BBC Scotland hours earlier to discuss his career-high victory.

His partner, Olympic champion cyclist Katie Archibald, confirmed the heartbreaking news and that she tried to save hime when he suffered a heart attack in bed.

She wrote in a tribute: ‘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.

‘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.

‘We ask that you respect Rab’s family’s privacy at this incredibly sad time.’

David Millar, a former national champion, tweeted: ‘So very sad to learn of [Rab Wardell] leaving us. Properly hard to comprehend.’

A British Cycling spokesperson said: ‘Everybody at British Cycling is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Rab Wardell.

‘Rab was a brilliant rider, friend and ambassador for our sport, and will be sorely missed by so many. 

‘Our thoughts are with his family and many friends at this incredibly difficult time.’

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