MOUNTAIN bike star Rab Wardell has been described as "inspirational" as tributes poured in following his shock death this week.

The Dunfermline-born rider, who was 37, died on Tuesday morning after suffering a cardiac arrest at home.

His partner, Katie Archibald, a two-time Olympic cycling champion, revealed in a heartbreaking social media post yesterday (Wednesday) that she tried to resuscitate him as they lay in bed, but said paramedics were unable to save him.

Members of the cycling community and beyond have mourned his death, while offering support to Katie, who told of her devastation at losing her beloved partner.

In an emotional statement, she said: "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.

"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, whose first cycling club was Sandy Wallace Cycles in Inverkeithing, had been racing since he was a teenager and, in 2006, he competed for Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, in the men's cross-country mountain biking competition.

Having moved to Glasgow, where he lived with Katie, he founded his own cycle coaching business but continued to ride and, in 2020, he broke the record for cycling the iconic West Highland Way in a time of in nine hours, 14 minutes and 32 seconds.

This year, he turned professional in mountain bike racing for the first time and, prior to competing at an event at Lochore Meadows in May, he told the Press: "I'm enjoying being fit and I've got the opportunity to do it. I feel like I'm riding well and I'm performing, so I think the number one motivation for me is enjoyment."

Just two days before his death, Rab won the Scottish MTB XC Championships in Dumfries and Galloway, and appeared on BBC Scotland's 'The Nine' on Monday to discuss his success.

Kyle Gordon, who competed for Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, said: "It is very sad for Scotland to lose such a great role model and ambassador for cycling. He will be greatly missed by us all."

Silas Goldsworthy, a member of the Ryan's Bike Surgery-Thomson Homes cycle team, said: "It is very sad news. He's someone who definitely put all his energy into cycling, and was a big personality, who will definitely be missed. It's a shock."

Dunfermline Cycling Club also offered their own tribute, commenting: "On hearing the terrible news of Rab Wardell, Dunfermline Cycling Club would like to send our deepest sympathy to his family, friends and loved ones. It is tragic to hear of the loss of such a talented cyclist, coach and inspirational athlete.

"Our club, as the entire Scottish cycling community now, mourns his premature passing."

Scottish Cycling said that news of Rab's death was "devastating", while British Cycling said they were "deeply saddened", adding: "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."

sportscotland commented: "Everyone at sportscotland is deeply saddened by the news about Rab Wardell. Our thoughts are with Katie, Rab’s family, friends and the Scottish Cycling community. Rab made a huge contribution to Scottish sport and his love and enthusiasm for cycling will remain an inspiration to so many."

Callum Skinner, an Olympic team sprint gold-medallist in 2016, said that "some of my earliest memories in the sport featured Rab Wardell, a strong, witty personality who’d help anyone", while Sir Chris Hoy, a six-time Olympic champion, said: "Can’t believe this. Utterly heartbreaking. Rest in peace Rab."

The Scottish Cross-County Association, which runs the mountain bike race series, said that Rab's death was the "saddest news", adding: "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.

"RIP Rab. Our Champion, Our Inspiration, Our Friend."