Epic Israel Cycling Race Returns to Western Galilee After 3-Year Hiatus

The Winner Epic Israel 2026 cycling race is set to return to the Western Galilee region in October, marking its comeback after a three-year absence due to the ongoing conflict in northern Israel. The multi-day mountain bike race, held in memory of Giora Tzur, will take place in the Mateh Asher Regional Council, traversing forests and singletrack trails that have recently undergone significant restoration and upgrades by the Jewish National Fund (JNF).

The race's return signifies more than just a change in venue; it represents a broader effort to revive sports, community, and tourism in an area that has seen its natural landscapes and riding trails closed to the public for an extended period. Hundreds of cyclists are expected to participate, reconnecting with the rehabilitated trails and contributing to the local economy through accommodation, dining, and other businesses.

The four-day event in October 2026 will cover approximately 300 kilometers with an accumulated elevation gain of 3,000 meters. In addition to the full tour, there will be one-day races, a junior category, and a relay race. Notably, wounded IDF soldiers from the "Brothers for Life" organization will also participate, adding a dimension of recovery and resilience to the event.

Officials from the JNF, the Toto (Israel Sports Betting Board), and the Mateh Asher Regional Council expressed their support, emphasizing the race's role in the region's recovery and economic revitalization. The Winner Epic Israel, founded in 2014, aims to connect sport, nature, and community, and its return to the North is seen as a powerful statement of the region's resurgence.