Winner Epic Israel Cycling Race Concludes in Western Galilee
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
The Winner Epic Israel 2026 cycling race concluded in the Western Galilee after four days, marking its return to the North for the first time since the war. Approximately 500 riders competed on over 300 km of trails, with Tomer Caspi and Tomer Zaltsman winning the men's category. The event, held in memory of Giora Tzur, also featured participation from wounded soldiers and youth, highlighting themes of rehabilitation and recovery.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The Winner Epic Israel 2026 cycling race concluded in the Western Galilee after four days of competition.
- This year's race marked the first return to Northern Israel since the war, with trails reopened after extensive rehabilitation.
- Tomer Caspi and Tomer Zaltsman won the men's general category with a time of 09:52:12.
- Around 500 riders participated, covering over 300 km of terrain and 3,000 meters of elevation gain.
- The event included participation from wounded IDF soldiers and youth, emphasizing rehabilitation and recovery.
- The race's return is part of broader efforts to revive tourism and economic activity in Northern Israel.
The Winner Epic Israel 2026 race, in collaboration with KKL-JNF and sponsored by Specialized, concluded on Saturday, October 17th, after four days of competition in the Western Galilee. This marked the 11th year of the race, held in memory of Giora Tzur. It was the first time the event returned to the North since the war, following a prolonged period where local trails and natural areas were closed to the public.
In the men's general category, Tomer Caspi and Tomer Zaltsman of the Tomer's team were crowned winners, finishing the three-day competition with a cumulative time of 09:52:12. Awards were also presented to winners in the women's, masters, women's masters, mixed, grand masters, super grand, and hero categories.
Approximately 500 riders navigated over 300 kilometers of terrain with a total elevation gain of around 3,000 meters. The return to the region was facilitated by rehabilitation and upgrade work by KKL-JNF, which improved hundreds of kilometers of single-track trails, including those in Hanita, Kabri, Yehiam, and Matzuba. Some of these upgraded trails were incorporated into the race route, allowing cyclists to ride paths closed for nearly three years.
The race's return to the North aligns with regional rehabilitation efforts led by the "Tnu'fa LaTzafon" (Movement to the North) administration, aimed at strengthening northern communities post-war and reviving cultural, sports, and tourism activities. The event brought riders, their families, support crews, and spectators to the Western Galilee, boosting local hotels, restaurants, and businesses. For the communities in the Western Galilee, which have faced war's repercussions, this offered another opportunity to bring back activity and visitors.
Alongside competitive riders, the event included participants from the "Achim LeChaim" (Brothers for Life) association, supporting wounded IDF soldiers in their rehabilitation, and youth from the "Bertali" association, empowering teenagers through cycling. Their participation added a significant dimension of resilience, recovery, and return to activity to this year's race.
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