Brazilian women's judo team intensified their training on Saturday as they began their three country tour of Europe in preparation for the Games.

The team will train for three weeks in France, Spain and Portugal.

The women's team consists of Sarah Menezes, Erika Miranda, Ketleyn Quadros, Danielle Yuri, Mayra Aguiar and Edinanci Silva.

With 47 days left before the Olympics get underway, Miranda supports the training tour, saying, "We are in the final stages of our training. The next three weeks in Europe will be very productive. Furthermore, we will be able to get to know our adversaries and will be able to correct any errors that still exist in our technique."

The coach of the women's team, Rosicleia Campos, believes that the trip is fundamental for the team's preparation for Beijing.

"Our trip will allow us to analyze three different schools of judo. It will also be a great opportunity to get to know our future adversaries in the competition in Beijing. Our European tour will also allow our athletes to become closer to each other, creating a stronger bond of unity and solidarity within the team," said the coach.

(Xinhua News Agency June 22, 2008)