THE brother of late mountain bike star Rab Wardell is to take part in an emotional fundraiser in his memory.
David Wardell will, along with a small group of friends, follow in his sibling's tracks by taking a 98 mile route along the West Highland Way which will begin in Glasgow and finish in Fort William.
The group has been inspired by Rab's record breaking ride and subsequent video "West Highland Way: Rab Wardell's Record Attempt" which accumulated over 200,000 views on YouTube and saw him setting the fastest time for riding the trail in 9 hours and 14 minutes.
They aim to #ridelikerab – however over 48 hours and not nine hours – to remember the cycling legend and raise much needed funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust charity.
David explained that they chose the charity because the son of his friend Duane Mccreadie, was diagnosed with the condition in 2021.
READ MORE: Tributes flood in for 'inspirational' bike star Rab
"My friend was inspired by Rab's video when he completed the West Highland Way in nine hours and 15 minutes. He said 'Why don't we do the route in memory of your brother and raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust?'" he said.
"It is hoped that helping to fund research will mean one day Xander, and all babies born with cystic fibrosis, will live a life entirely without limits.
"Rab wanted to inspire people to get outside, to explore, to challenge themselves and to see Scotland's amazing scenery. Whilst raising vital funds for Cystic Fibrosis, this group plan to honour Rab's memory and continue to be inspired by his amazing achievements and contributions to Scottish cycling."
Rab, who lived in Glasgow with his partner, two-time OIympic cycling gold-medallist, Katie Archibald, died after suffering from a cardiac arrest at home in August 2022, just two days after he had won the elite men's title at the Scottish MTN XC (Cross-Country Mountain Bike Series).
To mark the second anniversary of his death, David recently took part in the Glentress 7 – a seven hour race which was part of the Tweed Love Festival.
He had been planning a long solo ride but spotted an advert for last minutes spaces for the event and decided it would be an apt event to remember his brother.
"Rab was a big fan and promoter of the race – winning the solo event in 2021 and completing more laps than any of the competing team entries. The event organiser said he was greatly missed. It was nice to hear the tributes two years on that he is still being remembered."
The team will head out on their West Highland Way challenge on September 21. Anyone wanting to contribute to their fundraising can do so here.
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