Crowned Scottish mountain bike champion last Sunday, 37-year-old cyclist Rab Wardell died just two days later. A tragic loss for the world of sport.
It is a death as surprising as it is tragic. For the very first time in his career, the Scottish runner Rab Wardell was crowned mountain bike champion of his country last Sunday and two days later, we learned of his death. It is the British Cycling Federation which revealed the very sad information in a press release. “Everyone at British Cycling is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Rab Wardell. Rab was a brilliant rider, friend and ambassador for our sport, and he will be sorely missed by many. Our thoughts are with his family and many friends at this incredibly difficult time”indicates the federation on Twitter.
Just crowned Scottish champion, Rab Wardell succumbed to a heart attack in his sleep. It was the athlete’s partner, Katie Archibald, also a top-level cyclist, who said this in a long and moving message posted on Twitter yesterday. “I think you heard that Rab died yesterday morning. I still don’t understand what happened; if it’s real; why he would be gone now, so healthy and happy. He went into cardiac arrest while we were lying in bed.”says the young woman of 28 years.
His heart stopped and they couldn’t bring him back. Mine stopped with him
Completely destroyed by the disappearance of her companion, the young cyclist was plunged into deep sadness. “I tried and tried, and the paramedics arrived within minutes, but his heart stopped and they couldn’t get him back. Mine stopped with him. 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 who pay tribute. I can’t bear to talk about him in the past tense to say something myself. You are everything to me, Rab. I like you”she concludes.
Terrible news for the world of cycling, which mourns the untimely death of a great champion.
Subscribe to Purepeople on facebook