There a few events quite like the sprint relay to create mishaps and drama and the opening round heats did not disappoint.

Defending champions Great Britain crashed out of the competition following a baton exchange blunder in the opening heat and Italy were reinstated on appeal and Russia subsequently disqualified for obstruction in the second.

A botched handover between third leg runner Marlon Devonish and anchor Mark Lewis-Francis proved costly for Britain. Lewis Francis, the 100m individual silver medallist, appeared to not start his sprint too late and the pair almost clashed in the exchange zone. All momentum was lost and as Lewis-Francis desperately tried to grab the baton the team had been relegated from first to fifth in a flash.

They completed the race in 39.49, but could climb no further up the standings and do not advance. It is no consolation for Britain but it was the fastest non-qualifying time in the history of this event at the European Championships and Lewis-Francis was at least honest enough to accept the blame.

The heat also contained the two minor medallists from the 2006 European Champion ships – Poland and France - and both survived without mishap.

France wisely decided to rest their sprint double winning superstar Christophe Lemaitre and the move proved an astute one. Anchored by 100m individual bronze medallist Martial Mbandjock they took the heat win in 39.12 – 0.08 clear of Poland. Switzerland claimed the third and final automatic qualification spot in 39.22.

Heat two also became mired in controversy when Italy – who crossed the line second in 38.82 were initially disqualified when officials believed Roberto Donati and Simone Collio passed the baton outside the first exchange zone. The Italians said Collio had to stand outside his lane because the Russian second leg runner Ivan Teplykh was stood in their lane and protested. The jury of appeal considered their verdict and reinstated the Italians. The Russians, who had crossed the line fourth in 39.27, were disqualified for obstruction.

Germany had no such traumas, winning heat two in 38.75, to head the qualifiers for tomorrow night’s final. There are no superstars in the German team, but slick baton changing and outstanding teamwork will give them a strong medal chance in the final. Following Italy’s reinstatement their second place finish was confirmed with Portugal third in (39.09). Spain, who had originally finished fifth in the heat in 39.30, advanced as one two fastest losers in fourth (39.30) the other being Finland, who also finished in that position (39.40) in heat one.