OCTOBER 18, 2026 16:09

Tomer Caspi and Tomer Zaltzman earned the men's overall victory at Winner Epic Israel 2026 after four grueling days of mountain biking across the Western Galilee. Israel's biggest mountain bike competition returned to the north for the first time since the conflict led to the shutdown of local trails and woodlands.

The 11th running of the event, organized with the Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) and backed by Specialized, wrapped up on Saturday. It drew around 500 riders to Mateh Asher Regional Council and Nahariya for a tough test that covered more than 300 kilometers and roughly 3,000 meters of total climbing.

Caspi and Zaltzman, riding for Tomer's team, secured the men's crown with a combined time of 9:52:12 over the three scored stages. Their win highlighted an occasion that blended top-level racing with a strong theme of recovery and renewal for areas affected by years of conflict.

Held in memory of founder Gal Tzachor's father, Giora Tzachor, this year's race carried extra weight as it reopened paths that had been off-limits to the public for about three years.

Trail reopening supported by KKL-JNF efforts

KKL-JNF played a key role in restoring the routes through extensive work in the north, which included hundreds of kilometers of mountain bike paths in Hanita, Kabri, Yehiam and Matzuba. Several of these paths featured in the 2026 course.

Race founder and producer Gal Tzachor viewed the return as something far bigger than sport alone.

"Seeing hundreds of riders reach the finish line here in the Western Galilee after three years away from the area is deeply moving for me," Tzachor said. "This edition went well beyond a cycling contest. We came back to trails that had been shut, forests that received care and a region we all hold dear.

"Over four days we witnessed elite competition alongside an entire community returning to the north and reviving the area. The race grew from a passion for the land, cycling and people, and it honors my father Giora Tzachor's legacy. I am proud of everyone involved in this special edition."

The event opened on Wednesday, Oct. 14, with a 10.5-kilometer prologue in the Mateh Asher area. Amos Girani and Ronen Shirazi took the prologue win before the field tackled three tough stages that set the final standings.

Thursday's first stage ran about 82 kilometers with 1,150 meters of climbing. Caspi and Zaltzman topped the results and positioned themselves as overall favorites.

The duo extended their lead on Friday during the longest and hardest stage, which covered roughly 86.5 kilometers and 1,730 meters of climbing and tested every rider.

Saturday's closing stage covered another 74 kilometers with about 800 meters of climbing before the overall winners were confirmed.

Besides the men's race, awards went out in several other classes.

Luba Bernstein and Helen Mora took the women's title in 15:18:47 for Helen and Luba. Noam Strasnov and Yuval Friedman of NYCC Specialized won the men's Masters in 11:08:49, while Abigail Louis Yaavetz and Shahar Tamir of The Buttons-MIX claimed the mixed category in 12:30:58.

Sharon Pe'er and Erez Shaked of Team Specialized captured the Grand Masters in 11:21:44, and Eli Cohen and Eitan Medina of Team Bulthaup won the Super Grand Masters in 12:36:00.

Event delivers economic lift to the region

The race also gave a welcome boost to the local economy. Riders, family members, support crews and fans stayed in the area and supported hotels, restaurants and shops.

For Western Galilee communities still dealing with war impacts, the gathering helped welcome visitors and restart sporting and tourism activities.

KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky called the return a win for the whole country.

"It feels like a victory for all the people of Israel," Ostrinsky said. "At KKL-JNF we are proud and excited, together with northern residents, to see Winner Epic Israel back in the Western Galilee after three years of closed trails due to the war. This is a victory in itself, another sign of renewed life in the north, a region close to every Israeli.

"Alongside our work on the land, we see value in strengthening communities, tourism and the local economy. We will keep supporting the people of the north to repair damage and build a stronger region."

The event also showed sport's role in recovery and community support. Wounded veterans from Brothers for Life joined young riders from the Bartali Youth Cycling Club, which helps teenagers through cycling.

Their presence added depth to an occasion focused on perseverance, recovery and a return to everyday life. Toto Chairman and CEO Meir Bardugo said the organization was proud to back the race as part of its support for Israeli sport.

"The Toto is proud to partner again with Winner Epic Israel this year, together with KKL-JNF," Bardugo said. "Riders and spectators enjoyed a high-quality, moving sporting experience delivered to excellent professional standards that showed Israel in a positive light.

"As we near the Toto's 60th anniversary, Winner Epic Israel is another way for us to show our commitment to Israeli sport in all forms and to join the process of rehabilitation and return to routine."

Nahariya Mayor Ronen Marley, whose city hosted the race for the first time, welcomed the chance to present the area to riders and guests.

"We were happy to host Winner Epic Israel for the first time in our city, known as the city of bicycles, in partnership with KKL-JNF and the Toto," Marley said. "The atmosphere was great, the riders had a good time, and spectators enjoyed cheering them on.

"Hosting this international event is part of our efforts to promote sport and tourism, and it let us show participants our unique coastline and promenade. I am sure this cooperation will grow in coming years and help strengthen the north and Israel overall."

Gathering brings fresh energy to recovering communities

Mateh Asher Regional Council head and Confrontation Line Forum chairman Moshe Davidovich said the event had injected new energy into communities still healing from tough years.

"We finish the Epic Israel competition with great pride and excitement," Davidovich said. "The energy, determination and sporting spirit you brought, right here and right now after the hard years we faced, have revived Mateh Asher and the whole Western Galilee.

"I congratulate the winners and thank all participants and the production team for being true partners on the path to rehabilitation and growth. We have shown that the Galilee is alive again. We will keep rebuilding and growing, and we look forward to welcoming you back next year."

Aviad Friedman, head of the Northern Renewal Administration, also stressed the importance of bringing major sporting events back to the region, calling the race a meeting point for people, communities and landscapes that highlighted the north's potential.

The administration, he said, would continue initiatives that strengthen communities, boost tourism and create opportunities for residents and businesses as the region rebuilds.

For Caspi and Zaltzman the return to the Western Galilee ended with a championship. For the host communities the event offered another kind of victory: reopened trails, returning visitors and another step toward restoring the north's sporting, cultural and economic life.

After three years of disruption, Winner Epic Israel's 2026 edition showed that the paths to recovery can sometimes be found on two wheels.