Several of Canada's big names in swimming will have an early start to the season with some fast racing as they head to Europe this month to compete on the FINA World Cup circuit.

World Championships silver medallist in the 100 freestyle, Brent Hayden of Mission, BC and national teammates Mike Brown, Perth ON, Annamay Pierse, Edmonton AB, Erica Morningstar, Calgary Alta., and 17 year-old Chantal van Landeghem of Winnipeg, MB are amongst Canada's Olympic hopefuls that will be racing in Stockholm (15-16), Moscow (18-19) and Berlin (22-23).

"This is a great opportunity for these swimmers to get excited about fast short course [25m] racing early in the Olympic year," said Pierre Lafontaine, Swimming Canada's CEO and National Coach.

The FINA World Cup circuit is known to attract some of the World's top athletes.

"We're expected to see some strong competition from these World cups," added Lafontaine.

"Our swimmers have had a solid block of training and it's great to have them in a world class racing environment."

Full Canadian roster competing at the World Cups are

Women:
Paige KREMER, Edmonton, AB - (Stockholm, Berlin)
Erica MORNINGSTAR, Calgary, AB - (Stockholm, Moscow, Berlin)
Annamay PIERSE, Edmonton, AB - (Moscow, Berlin)
Breanna SIWICKI, Winnipeg, MB - (Stockholm, Berlin)
Brooklynn SNODGRASS, Calgary, AB - (Stockholm, Berlin)
Chantal VANLANDEGHEM, Winnipeg, MB - (Stockholm, Berlin)

Men:
Mike BROWN, Perth, ON - (Stockholm, Moscow, Berlin)
David DIMITROV, Calgary, AB - (Berlin)
Brent HAYDEN, Mission, BC - (Stockholm, Moscow, Berlin)
Paul KORNFELD, Calgary, AB - (Stockholm, Moscow, Berlin)
Andrew POZNIKOFF, Burnaby, BC - (Stockholm, Berlin)
Sean NUGENT, Vancouver, BC - (Stockholm, Berlin)