Rutger Smith set to return at the European Cup Winter Throwing

The Netherlands will be sending a strong team to the 10th European Cup Winter Throwing in Arles, France, on 20-21 March with Rutger Smith among the names that catch the eye.

Smith will compete for the first time in more than 18 months but just in the Discus as he has decided to stop with the Shot Put for the moment.

A lingering and long-term back problem forced Smith to take the decision recently. "The Discus causes less problems," he explained in February.

Smith, who won a Discus bronze medal at the 2007 World Championships, has not competed since the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

He spent last year recovering from the problems with his back but believes he has trained well this winter.

Smith holds the Dutch Shot record, set in 2006, with 21.62m. His personal best in the Discus is 67.63m but concentrating on one event means that he is hopeful of finally topping the Dutch record of 68.12m, held by Erik de Bruin since 1991.

Also in the Dutch team going to Arles is the shot putter Melissa Boekelman. The former world and European junior champion will warm up for Arles at the World Indoor Championships in Doha this weekend.

Smith's fellow Discus thrower Erick Cadee might also be in the hunt for medals in Arles.