Injury-ravaged Great Britain were denied a place in tomorrow's World Cup final when America's Greg Hancock beat Mark Loram in a race-off to join winners Denmark in Wroclaw, Poland last night.

In a dramatic and incident-packed meeting, with five riders a race, there were several high-speed crashes which left the riders uneasy and questioning the format, but the quality of the racing was top-class.

Oxford Cheetahs' Brian Andersen led Denmark home with a total of 66 points, leaving USA and Great Britain on 65, with the Czech Republic and Russia nowhere.

The Danes were always in charge from the opening heat but were pressed hard by USA, with Sam Ermolenko and Hancock to the fore.

Paul Hurry crashed heavily in his opening ride, but Britain gradually hauled themselves back into contention, and probably would have

qualified but for a briliant ride from Hancock.

Britain desperately need a win and Gary Havelock, back on the track where he won his world title, led every inch of the way until Hancock pounced on the last bend and squeezed past the GB skipper on the line in an unforgettable race.

Denmark and USA now join Sweden, Poland and Australia in tomorrow's final.

Race-off results: 1 Denmark 66 pts, 2 (after run-off) USA 65, 3 Great Britain 65, 4 Czech Republic 43, 5 Russia 20.