Speedway: Brits can’t handle dominant Danes

Britain’s speedway team finished second to reigning world champions Denmark in their World Cup qualifier at King’s Lynn last night.

The Danes finished a dominant 14 points clear of Britain, the United States and Sweden to go straight to Saturday night’s final in Prague. The Brits also go to the Czech capital, but they face Thursday night’s race-off, an event they must win if they are to qualify for the final.

Tai Woffinden performed well for Britain and he received solid support from Chris Harris. Between them the pair scored 30 of Britain’s 35 points, but international debutant Craig Cook and out-of-form Edward Kennett found the pace of World Cup competition too hot. Both Cook and Kennett have been dropped for Thursday’s race-off, with Ben Barker and Lewis Bridger taking their places for the Prague event.

On Thursday the Brits will come up against Australia, Latvia and the United States in the race-off. On Monday’s form it will be a big surprise if they can overcome the Aussies to claim the one remaining place in the final of the competition. And only Denmark and Poland, winners of the first semi on Sunday, will go into the final with realistic hopes of being crowned world champions.

Speedway World Cup Qualifier. Monday, July 15. King’s Lynn, Norfolk.
Denmark 49, Great Britain 35, United States 24, Sweden 18