Cycling: Walker returns to BMX track

Sarah Walker competes at the 2015 UCI BMX World Championships in Belgium. Photo / Getty Images

Sarah Walker's return to the BMX track has gone smoothly.

The Olympic medallist took a low-risk approach in windy conditions to qualify on the opening day of the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup in the Netherlands today.

Walker, who is back competing just 10 weeks after fracturing her arm, had two fourth placings and a third to qualify comfortably for tomorrow's elimination motos at Papendal.

The windy conditions played havoc when defending champion, double world and Olympic champion Mariana Pajon crashed during final practice. Her suspected dislocated shoulder may sideline the sport's biggest star from competing at the world championships to be staged for the first time in her home country of Colombia.

"Sarah played on the safe side in the winds and rode sensibly," said Cycling New Zealand BMX coach Ryan Hollows.

"Her aim was to racing through in the qualifying motos today and into the main game tomorrow. We will see how the arm is tomorrow and the conditions, but this weekend is safety-first.

"Today's racing keeps her Rio qualification on track though and we will see what the weather brings tomorrow."

On the men's side, Trent Jones and Matt Cameron have both gone through to tomorrow's elimination rounds with strong rides.