PLYMOUTH Leander star Ben Proud will continue his Olympic preparations at the Mare Nostrum event in Barcelona this weekend.

Britain are sending their entire 26-strong Olympic squad, who are in heavy training for Rio, to the Catalonian capital.

The event follows on from last month’s European Championships in London where the team emerged successful with 22 medals – more than any other nation – despite training through.

For British Swimming head coach Bill Furniss the priority for Barcelona is for athletes and coaches to continue to work hard while stepping up race a quality field.

“We know the event is going to offer a good standard of competition while our athletes continue to train through,” said Furniss.

“The athletes will get another chance to work with their Olympic coach and continue to define that important relationship ahead of Rio.  The entire Olympic staff will be there and we will be able to practice those invaluable team behaviours and protocols that reinforce the team.”

Meanwhile, Plymouth Leander’s Juliette Casini won three titles at the Belgian Open Championships in Antwerp.

The former Plymouth College student won the 50m freestyle in a time of 25.85 seconds, the 100m freestyle in 56.13 seconds and the 200m in 2:02.72.