Major Cycling Race Returns to Northern Israel After Three-Year Hiatus

The Winner Epic Israel mountain bike race, a significant sporting and tourism event, is set to return to the Western Galilee region in October 2026, three years after conflict halted activities and closed many riding trails. This marks the 11th year of the race, held in memory of Giora Tzahor.

The event will take place from October 14-17, 2026, across the Mateh Asher Regional Council and the city of Nahariya. Its return is facilitated by extensive rehabilitation and upgrade work by the Jewish National Fund (JNF), which has restored approximately 100 kilometers of trails, including those in Hanita, Kabri, Yehiam, and Matzuba, previously closed due to fighting.

Hundreds of cyclists are expected to participate, boosting local tourism and the economy while helping to restore normalcy to the community. The race will also include wounded IDF soldiers from the "Brothers for Life" organization, highlighting the connection between sports, rehabilitation, and resilience. The multi-day competition will cover about 300 kilometers of off-road riding with an accumulated elevation gain of around 3,000 meters through the Galilee landscape.

In addition to the full race, there will be one-day events, a juniors' category, and a relay race. Race founder and producer Gal Tzahor stated that the return to the North is a statement that the region is recovering. JNF Chairman Yael Ostrovsky added that the cyclists' return to the restored trails symbolizes the North's rehabilitation and growth. Local leaders, including Mateh Asher Regional Council head Moshe Davidovitch and Nahariya Mayor Ronen Merly, welcomed the race, emphasizing its contribution to sports, tourism, and the regional economy.