OTTAWA - After taking a two-year break from competitive ice dancing, Canada's Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir are planning a comeback.

The 2010 Olympic champions announced Saturday that they will return to competition for the 2016-'17 season.

Virtue, 26, and Moir, 28, took two seasons off after winning silver in the ice dance and team events at the 2014 Sochi Games. They play to move to Montreal to train with Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice Lauzon.

"In returning to competition, our motivation stems solely from our love for the sport and our desire to create art. We are ready for the challenge, and ready to embrace life as athletes again," the duo said in a statement released by Skate Canada. "With Marie-France and Patrice, we have found a renewed passion for skating that feels both invigorating and inspiring. We have been working tirelessly on new techniques, and a different approach to ice dance — both mechanically and philosophically."

Virtue, from London, Ont., and Moir, from Ilderton, Ont., are also two-time world champions.

"Canadian skating fans will undoubtedly be excited to welcome back Tessa and Scott," said Skate Canada chief executive officer Dan Thompson. "The ice dance landscape in Canada is powerful and the return of six-time Canadian champions Tessa and Scott will further invigorate this discipline.

"We wish them the best of luck in their return."