Winner Epic Israel cycling race to return to Western Galilee
In Israel, the multi-day mountain bike race Winner Epic Israel 2026 will take place in Western Galilee on October 14–17. The competition will return to the region for the first time in nearly three years after cycling routes there were closed because of the war, The Jerusalem Post reports.
The route will run through the Mateh Asher Regional Council and the city of Nahariya. Participants will ride through forests, singletrack trails and off-road terrain that were recently restored and reopened. The total distance will be about 300 kilometers, with cumulative elevation gain of 3,000 meters.
Competition formats
In addition to the main four-day race, the program includes one-day races, junior competitions and a relay. The event is held in memory of Giora Tzahor in partnership with the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF). The race is sponsored by Winner and Specialized, while Toto Winner is also an event partner.
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In 2026, Winner Epic Israel will cooperate with Matzman-Specialized for the first time. Race founder and producer Gal Tzahor said that the return of hundreds of cyclists should help restore tourism and business activity in the country’s north: participants will arrive with their families and friends, stay overnight and use local establishments.
Restored cycling routes
The Jewish National Fund said it is developing more than 2,500 kilometers of cycling routes across the country. The fund is currently upgrading about 100 kilometers of singletrack trails in northern Israel, including in Hanita, Kabri, Yehiam and Matsuva. These routes were closed during the war.
Wounded veterans of the Israel Defense Forces from the Brothers for Life organization will also take part in the race. The organization supports service members wounded during their service and helps them with rehabilitation. Nahariya will host Winner Epic Israel for the first time.
