A welcome return to international competition was made by two Irish racewlkers over the weekend in Spain. Robert Heffernan had an impressive return to competition in The Quadix grand prix of racewalking 10km on Saturday night. He finished fourth in a high quality field led home by World record holder, and recently crowned European Champion over 20km Fransisco Fernandez. Jamie Costin finished close behind in fifth place. Many of the leading athletes from Gothenburg were racing and they both finished ahead of Jesus Garcia, Silver meddalist in the 50km at those European Championships and other top ten performers from both 20k and 50k there. For Heffernan it was his first race in over a year. Having undergone two operations in the past twelve months on his adducter and Groin, it was very satisfying to return in his first race to this level of competition.Costin having returned to competition earlier in the season after long term injury must be satisfied beating a 50k rival over a shorter distance like Garcia. They will both race on for the next month in Poland, Spain and Norway over various distances.