Winner Epic Israel 2026 will return to the Western Galilee for the first time since the war forced the closure of the region’s trails nearly three years ago, bringing hundreds of mountain bikers back to the North from October 14-17.
Held in memory of the late Giora Tsachor and in partnership with Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), the four-day event is sponsored by Winner and Specialized. The race will take place throughout the Mateh Asher Regional Council and Nahariya, passing through forests, singletrack trails and off-road terrain that have recently been rehabilitated and reopened.
The race will cover approximately 300 kilometers and 3,000 meters of cumulative climbing. In addition to the full four-day competition, the event will feature one-day races, a junior race and a relay race.
For Gal Tsachor, founder and producer of Winner Epic Israel and one of the leading figures in Israel’s cycling industry, the return to the North is about far more than a change of scenery.
“For us, Winner Epic Israel’s return to the North is about much more than choosing a new route,” Tsachor said. “After three years in which this region was almost entirely off the cycling map, we want to be among the first to return. When hundreds of riders come here, they bring with them families, friends, overnight stays, restaurants and business for local establishments. We want the race to be part of this movement and to help bring the North back to life.”
Tsachor said the event also carries a personal significance as it continues the legacy of his father, the late Giora Tsachor, in whose memory the race is held each year.
“Winner Epic Israel was born out of a love for this country, cycling and community, and it continues the legacy of my father, the late Giora Tsachor, whom we commemorate every year,” he said. “Returning to the North after three years is a significant moment for us. This is not just about riding trails – it is a statement. We want to be there, to ride there and to show that the North is coming back.”
Race's return coincides with KKL-JNF rehabilitation of northern Israel
The return of the race coincides with extensive rehabilitation work being carried out by Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund throughout northern Israel. KKL-JNF has developed more than 2,500 kilometers of cycling trails across the country and is currently upgrading approximately 100 kilometers of singletrack trails in the North, including those in Hanita, Kabri, Yehiam and Matzuva that were closed during the war.
Winner Epic Israel will pass through some of these rehabilitated trails, once again bringing cyclists to one of Israel’s premier cycling destinations, with its extensive network of forests, woodlands and Galilee landscapes.
KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky described the race’s return as a symbol of the region’s recovery.
“Winner Epic Israel’s return to the North is a powerful symbol of the North coming back to life,” Ostrinsky said. “For three years, the trails and forests in the region were closed to the public, and throughout this period KKL-JNF has been and continues to carry out extensive work to rehabilitate, upgrade and restore these natural and recreational areas.”
Ostrinsky added that seeing hundreds of cyclists return to the reopened trails demonstrates the tangible impact of that rehabilitation.
“KKL-JNF will continue to invest in the North, in its forests, cycling trails, and tourism and recreational infrastructure, based on the belief that bringing the public back to these spaces is an integral part of the region’s rehabilitation and growth,” he said.
The event will also include wounded IDF veterans from Brothers for Life, an organization that supports soldiers wounded during their military service and assists them throughout their rehabilitation. Their participation will add another dimension to the race’s return, bringing together competitive cycling, community activity and the public’s renewed access to northern Israel’s natural spaces.
Winner Epic Israel collaborated with Toto Winner, KKL-JNF for 2026 race
The Toto Winner, which is partnering with the event alongside KKL-JNF, also views the race as an opportunity to support the North’s recovery.
“The Toto is proud to once again partner with Winner Epic Israel, in partnership with KKL-JNF – a competition held to high professional standards that presents Israel in a positive light,” said Meir Bardugo, CEO of the Toto Winner (The Israel Sports Betting Board). “For us, this is another way to express our commitment to advancing Israeli sports and, this year, also to take part in the effort to strengthen the North, support its rehabilitation and help restore normal life.”
The 2026 race will also mark the first year of a partnership between Winner Epic Israel and Matzman-Specialized.
“This is our first year together with Winner Epic Israel, and we have two reasons to be proud,” said Roy Kapach, Head of Commerce and Strategy at Matzman-Specialized. “On the one hand, we are taking part in the race’s return to the beautiful North after several difficult years, and on the other, we are partnering with one of Israel’s most significant and prestigious sporting events.”
Kapach said the partnership would help reconnect Specialized with cyclists in the region.
“For us, this is an opportunity to reconnect with the cycling community, restore confidence in and the love of cycling in the North, and be part of the movement bringing the region back to activity and normal life,” he said.
Nahariya Mayor Marelli says race promotes sports, tourism
Nahariya will host the event for the first time, with Mayor Ronen Marelli highlighting the city’s efforts to promote both sports and tourism.
“Nahariya is delighted to host the Winner Epic Israel competition for the first time, in partnership with KKL-JNF and the Toto,” Marelli said. “Hosting the international competition is part of the city’s efforts to promote sports and tourism and will introduce participants and visitors to our coastline and unique seafront.”
“Nahariya has been and will continue to be Israel’s cycling city,” he added. “I am confident that this partnership will expand in the years ahead and contribute to strengthening northern Israel and the State of Israel.”
Mateh Asher Regional Council head Moshe Davidovich similarly welcomed the return of the event, saying the region needs to see tourism, activity and visitors return after years of disruption.
“The return of Winner Epic Israel to the North is important news for Mateh Asher and the Western Galilee,” Davidovich said. “After three years in which our residents endured a difficult period and the entire region was forced to put its daily routine on hold, we need to bring activity, tourism and people back here.”
“A sporting event like Winner Epic Israel puts the North back in the spotlight and reminds everyone of the region’s beauty and strength,” he added. “I congratulate the organizers, KKL-JNF and the partners on their decision to return here, and I hope this will mark the beginning of a new period – one of rehabilitation, growth and a return to normal life.”