A Scottish mountain biker died in his sleep just hours after appearing on TV to discuss his championship title win.

Rab Wardell died aged 37, Scottish Cycling said, having won the Scottish MTB XC Championships on Sunday.

He won the elite title at Kirroughtree Forest after overcoming several punctures to secure victory on the final lap.

He appeared on BBC Scotland’s The Nine programme on Monday evening to discuss it, but died later that night.

In a statement on Twitter, Scottish Cycling said: “We are devastated to confirm the news that international mountain biker & former employee, Rab Wardell, has passed away today.

“We have very little information at this stage, but we send our love & support to his family, friends & all those in our community who knew him.

“We ask that you respect Rab’s family’s privacy at this incredibly sad time.”

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