Olympic champion Callum Skinner back on the podium

Capital cyclist Callum Skinner made a solid return to competitive action with two podium finishes at the Alkmaar International Sprint meeting in Holland as he assessed his fitness ahead of major challenges.

The 24-year-old took the runner up spot in the individual sprint when he lost out to Dutchman Theo Bos in the final. It was Skinner’s his first outing in the discipline since taking the silver medal at the Olympics last year.

And Skinner, who also won team sprint gold in Rio, acquitted himself well in the Keirin, securing a further podium finish. However, as with the sprint, he had to settle for a minor place after being edged into third spot in a tight finish in which the first three were separated by a wheel length. Bos again took the honours.

Skinner declared himself satisfied with the performances and will now step up his preparations for next month’s World Track Championships in Hong Kong. He is one of five Scots who have been named in the 20 man Great Britain squad for the event that takes place from April 12-16, with Katie Archibald, Neah Evans, Mark Stewart and Jack Carlin also making the trip.