HEIDI Davies marked her return from a 12 month lay off by storming to victory at the Giir di Mont race in Premana last weekend.

The Llandrindod Wells athlete is currently living and working in Malonno in Italy and looking forward to capitalising on the Italian landscape in her bid to regain fitness.

Despite only entering at the last minute the popular long distance runner overcame a talented field to win the women’s 11k race in 1:11.28.

Davies battled over an 800m ascent and descent along the trails surrounding Premana in the North East of of Italy.

Davies was delighted with the result and being back in competition following a testing 12 months due to injury and health issues.

“It was a last minute decision to race as I’m spending the summer au pairing in Italy so obviously I wasn’t expecting to win at all,” said Davies. “Especially standing on the start line with such talented athletes as Holly Page and Emma Clayton.

“I really enjoyed the feeling of racing and being competitive again, especially in Italy where mountain running has so much energy and passion.

Next up for Davies is the legendary FlettaTrail in Malonno this weekend.

The 1,000m climb event is one close to Davies’ heart having stormed to victory in front of an appreciative home crowd in the 2018 event.

Davies said: “Malonno is a special place because it blends the mountain running spirit so well with the fans and the athletes and creates a truly unique experience.”