Sir Chris admits to a bout of nerves on comeback

FOUR-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy made a winning return to the track earlier this month - but admits he feared the worst after almost a year out of action.

 GOLDEN HOY: Sir Chris Hoy admits to a bout of nerves on return to action earlier this month

The 33-year-old, who topped the podium three times at the Beijing Olympics last year, has largely been absent from the racing scene since returning from the Far East.

Hoy injured his hip six months ago following a crash and insists he suffered an attack of the jitters when he climbed back onto his bike In France.

"There were definitely a lot of nerves because it was such a long time since I had raced," said Hoy.

"It's a year since Beijing and I haven't really raced since then because of the injury and other commitments.

"Being injured has given me time to do other things but now it's time to knuckle down and get back on the bike."

While Hoy was collecting his fourth Olympic gold medal in Beijing, fellow Brit Bradley Wiggins was picking up his third.

And while the Flying Scotsman was laid up over the summer, Wiggins took to the road, finishing fourth in the Tour de France - the best ever finish by a Brit - a feat that did not go unnoticed by Hoy.

"I was amazed to be honest," added Hoy. "Everyone knew how good Mark Cavendish would be in the sprints - he was head and shoulders above everyone else - but I was so excited to see Brad competing up there in the mountains.

"I don't think people made enough of a fuss about just what an achievement coming fourth in the overall was."