The 10th edition of the Winner Epic Israel cycling race, held in partnership with Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), wrapped up this weekend after four days and nearly 300 kilometers of challenging riding across the Carmel.
What began as a tribute to the late Giora Tsachor has grown into Israel’s largest cycling event, drawing hundreds of participants from across the country and abroad and carrying this year’s theme of “Never Give Up.”
The peloton included professional cyclists, IDF wounded veterans, Paralympic athletes, at-risk youth teams, and pioneering women’s groups, all sharing the trails and spirit of camaraderie. Together they transformed the Carmel region into a festival of endurance, community, and connection to the land.
Riders tackled a diverse course: from the opening 45-kilometer coastal ride along Nachsholim Beach and the Nadiv Valley, to the 82-km vineyards and water crossings near Binyamina, to the grueling 100-kilometer “queen stage” with 1,500 meters of climbing through northern Carmel singletracks, before closing with a 65-kilometer finale winding through nature reserves, Tel Dor, and the Taninim stream.
Israel Premier Tech riders Emry Faingezicht, 22, from Bat Shlomo, and Roei Edinger, 19, of Tel Adashim, claimed victory in the men’s overall category. Trophies were also awarded in the women’s, masters, mixed, grand masters, super grand masters, and hero categories. Winners included Naama Noyman and Munira Yaseen (women), Ivan Sedekov and Yuri Levinzon (masters), Chen Schreiber and Talia Rolls-Ish Shalom (mixed), Erez Shaked and Sharon Peer (grand masters), Amos Gery and Ronen Shirizly (super grand masters), and Ben Yehezkiel and Naftali Avner (hero).
Epic Israel celebrates 10th anniversary
At the closing ceremony, race founder Gal Tsachor, who established the event in memory of his late father Giora, reflected on the race and its origins.
“This 10th anniversary is a moment of immense pride. More than ever, the message ‘Never Give Up’ carried real meaning. This is more than a race – it’s a life project.”
Meir Berdugo, CEO of Toto-Winner, called the event “extraordinary” and praised it as both a world-class sporting competition and an act of resilience.
Daphna Lang, chairwoman of the Israel Cycling Federation, added: “Out of this difficult period we choose life, community, and action. Epic Israel proves that with determination we can keep building and believing in a better future.”
Now a decade strong, Epic Israel is a living expression of sport as a bridge between people, nature, and national spirit, and a showcase of Israel’s ability to host an international sporting event at the highest level.