Pro Racer Rab Wardell Dies In His Sleep at 37

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We have little more information at this stage but according to our sources Rab died in his sleep on the 22nd August.

Yesterday Rab was featured on BBC Scotland discussing his achievements including his win in the senior category at the Scottish MTB XC Championships at the weekend. Previously Rab had won the Junior and U23 categories in the same series.

Rab Wardell got his first MTB in 1999 which kick started a long career in racing and eventually coaching. He has triumphed in a range of disciplines from XC to Enduro. Recently his focus turned to marathon racing.

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A post shared by Rab Wardell (@rabwardell)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rab Wardell (@rabwardell)

Rab Wardell 1985 – 2022

Rab Wardell Trek Factory Racing by Ali Burgess
Morven Brown, Rab Wardell and Lesley Ingram too

So sorry to have just heard the news about Rab Wardell’s death. He’d just won the Scottish Cross Country Championships on the back of an impressive comeback to racing and apparently passed away in his sleep. Rab was a true all-rounder, racing XC, cross and Enduro with equal flair (and whipping an XC bike in my photo from ten years ago, or setting the FKT for the West Highland Way.) all while being humble and cheerful – and very, very fast.

Just as he had it all to look forward to, with us along for the ride, he was taken away. My love and sympathy goes out to his many friends, peers and his family. A true champ has left us.

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Mark Alker

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What Mark doesn’t know about social media isn’t worth knowing and his ability to balance “The Stack” is bested only by his agility on a snowboard. Graphs are what gets his engine revving, at least they would if his car wasn’t electric, and data is what you’ll find him poring over in the office. Mark enjoys good whisky, sci-fi and the latest Apple gadget, he is also the best boss in the world (Yes, he is paying me to write this).

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Home › Forums › Pro Racer Rab Wardell Dies In His Sleep at 37

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  • This topic has 56 replies, 56 voices, and was last updated 2 years ago by G.
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  • Pro Racer Rab Wardell Dies In His Sleep at 37
  • richmtb
    Full Member

    This is so sad. I met Rab a couple of times. He used to organise “mates races” at Cathkin Braes. Such a lovely guy and he was just an amazing rider. I was so pleased to see him winning again. And now this, utterly tragic.

    RIP and sincere condolences to all those that knew him better than me.

    Posted 2 years ago
    mrlebowski
    Free Member

    Gone way too soon…..

    RIP Rab, you were inspirational..

    Posted 2 years ago
    tintim
    Full Member

    Incredibly sad news, RIP Rab.

    Posted 2 years ago
    stcolin
    Free Member

    This is really sad news, such a shock. I actually got chatting to Rab through Instagram a while back and he was more than helpful. Absolutely shocking.

    Posted 2 years ago
    oscillatewildly
    Free Member

    absolutely terrible news – i am devastated and dont even know the guy – but damn he put some effort into the world of biking

    a true legend id say – achieved alot and went a little under the radar really – really impressed with his latest comeback and videos on youtube

    a very sad day someone so incredibly fit and healthy is gone just like that 🙁

    Posted 2 years ago
    franksinatra
    Full Member

    Horrible news.

    I didn’t realise his partner is/was Katie Archibald. She has said on Twitter that it was a cardiac arrest, both she and paramedics worked on him to no avail.

    Young athletes dying from heart problems is far too common. I really hope more research is being done into this.

    Posted 2 years ago
    Digby
    Full Member

    This is absolutely heartbreaking! A lovely bloke and a fantastic rider! My heart goes out to his family and friends – he will leave a huge hole in the cycling community – especially amongst the Glasgow, Borders and Tweed Valley riders …

    Posted 2 years ago
    martinhutch
    Full Member

    Awful news. Inspiring rider.

    Posted 2 years ago
    jimmy
    Full Member

    https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/aug/24/mountain-bike-rider-rab-wardell-dies-aged-37

    Can’t imagine what Katie must be going through.

    There’s quite a outpouring, from all angles. I imagine there’ll be some send off.

    Posted 2 years ago
    stevedoc
    Free Member

    Very sad news to read . A very insperational chap.

    Posted 2 years ago
    IHN
    Full Member

    Can’t imagine what Katie must be going through.

    I hadn’t made the Katie Archibald connection, just realised it after reading the piece on the Beeb. Can’t even get close to imagining.

    Incredibly sad, RIP.

    Posted 2 years ago
    StirlingCrispin
    Full Member

    Very sad 🙁 RIP

    I can’t imagine what Katie Archibald is going through: must just be awful.

    Didn’t know Rab but have followed him since I first marshalled cyclo-X races at Plean in the early 2000s. He’s always been part of the scene – and a genuinely nice bloke.

    Posted 2 years ago
    MoreCashThanDash
    Full Member

    Can’t claim any connection but Katie’s soçial media post is heartbreaking.

    Posted 2 years ago
    big_scot_nanny
    Full Member

    Aw man, everything about this is just awful. Read Katie’s stuff on the beed, absolutely heartbreaking. RIP Rob, and love to all the family

    Posted 2 years ago
    richie_bee
    Free Member

    Had the pleasure of meeting and trying to compete against him at a couple of events in recent years. Genuinely nice bloke, very talented. Shocked. Condolences to friends and family.

    Posted 2 years ago
    bajsyckel
    Full Member

    Tragically sad and shocking news. An exceptionally talented and inspirational rider. My thoughts go out to all those close to him.

    Posted 2 years ago
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