Jeffrey Herlings wins qualifying race ahead of Kay de Wolf and Lucas Coenen

Jeffrey Herlings secured victory in the qualifying race at Lacapelle-Marival, asserting his dominance early by overtaking Tom Vialle on the opening lap and maintaining the lead until the finish. The Dutch rider's performance set the tone for the event, showcasing his speed and control on the challenging circuit. Behind Herlings, Kay de Wolf claimed second place after a fierce contest with Lucas Coenen, who settled for third. The battle for podium positions highlighted the competitive spirit among the riders, with both de Wolf and Coenen demonstrating strong pace and determination throughout the race. French competitors Maxime Renaux and Romain Febvre completed the top five, finishing fourth and fifth respectively, adding to the host nation's presence near the front of the pack. Meanwhile, Calvin Vlaanderen faced disappointment as he retired early, unable to complete the race. Belgian riders Jago Geerts and Brent Van Doninck finished further down the order in eighteenth and nineteenth places, reflecting a challenging day for the Belgian contingent. The qualifying results provide a clear indication of form heading into the main event, with Herlings emerging as a favourite. The close battles behind him suggest an intense competition to come, as riders look to improve their positions and challenge for victory in the upcoming race.