Winner Epic Israel 2026 is set to mark its return to the stunning Western Galilee from October 14-17. This pivotal event brings hundreds of mountain bikers back to the northern region, a place that has seen its trails closed for nearly three years due to ongoing conflict.
Event Overview: Honoring a Legacy
This four-day race is held in memory of the late Giora Tsachor and is co-hosted with Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF). Sponsored by Winner and Specialized, the competition will navigate through the Mateh Asher Regional Council and Nahariya. Participants will ride on newly rehabilitated trails that traverse lush forests and thrilling singletrack terrain recently reopened for cycling enthusiasts.
The race covers a remarkable distance of about 300 kilometers, with a challenging ascent of 3,000 meters. Alongside the main event, there will be one-day races, junior competitions, and a relay race to encourage broader participation.
The Importance of the Return
Gal Tsachor, the founder and producer of Winner Epic Israel, emphasizes that this event means much more than merely a change in the race route. “Our return to the North represents a commitment to revitalizing the region,” Tsachor stated. He believes that the influx of cyclists, along with their families and support teams, will stimulate local businesses and bring life back to communities that have been adversely affected.
With this festival, organizers aim not only to revitalize biking tourism but to make a statement: the northern region is recovering, showcasing its beauty, and presenting itself as a thriving outdoor destination.
Collaboration for Rehabilitation
The race aligns perfectly with extensive rehabilitation efforts led by KKL-JNF, which has restored over 2,500 kilometers of cycling trails across Israel. The organization has focused on upgrading 100 kilometers of previously closed singletrack trails in the North, a significant step toward encouraging outdoor activities once again. KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky views the event as a critical symbol of resilience and recovery for the area.
“Winner Epic Israel’s return signifies the North’s revival,” Ostrinsky remarked, noting that the presence of hundreds of cyclists on these trails clearly indicates tangible progress. His organization is dedicated to further investments in the North, emphasizing the role of outdoor activities in the region’s rejuvenation.
Fostering Community and Inclusivity
The 2026 race will also be inclusive of wounded IDF veterans from the organization Brothers for Life. This initiative encourages community involvement and camaraderie among participants, enhancing the overall spirit of the event.
With the collaboration of Toto Winner and the local municipalities, the event is positioned as more than just a sporting competition; it embodies the collective efforts to restore the North to its former glory and promote sports and tourism. Mayor Ronen Marelli of Nahariya highlighted that the city is eager to showcase its coastline and unique seafront to the participants and visitors.
As the Winner Epic Israel race approaches, anticipation builds not only for the competition but for the revitalization it aims to bring to the vibrant landscapes of the Western Galilee.