Mountain bike champion Rab Wardell, 37, dies in his sleep two days after winning title

Scottish mountain biker Rab Wardell tragically died just two days after overcoming a puncture to win the Scottish championship.

The 37-year-old, from Glasgow, died in his sleep, a statement confirmed. Wardell won the elite men's title at the Scottish MTB XC Championships, and appeared on television on Monday night to celebrate.

He confirmed he had overcome two punctures to win the race, and joked that the event was "a bit of a disaster. Just hours later, he sadly passed away in his sleep.

A statement from the Scottish Cross Country Association read: "Our deepest sympathy to his friends, family and loved ones. "He will be truly missed by our community and his determination, talent and friendship will live on in all our hearts and memories.

"I'm sure more eloquent words will be written by many but RIP Rab. Our Champion, Our Inspiration, Our Friend."

Wardell took to Twitter on Sunday after winning gold, and spoke of his delight at having added to the junior title he'd won earlier in his career. He posted: "Scottish Champion. It’s taken a few years but I can now add the Senior Cross Country title to the Junior and U23 ones I won nearly 2 decades ago."

Rab Wardell appeared on television hours before his death aged 37 (BBC)

Wardell appeared on BBC Scotland's 'The Nine' on Monday night to discuss his victory at the Dumfries and Galloway track over the weekend despite having three punctures during the race. He joked: "Unfortunately I think I'm a little too well practiced in managing punctures!

"To be honest, it was a bit of a disaster, but I just had to keep on trucking and keep racing. "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?"