Olympic swimming champion Gregorio Paltrinieri launched the torch relay for the Milan Cortina Winter Games on Saturday. This event marks a two-month countdown to the opening ceremony set for February 6, 2026. The relay commenced at the Stadio dei Marmi in Rome and will span approximately 12,000 kilometers, culminating at Milan’s San Siro Stadium.
Details of the Torch Relay
The torch relay involves a total of 10,001 torchbearers. After Paltrinieri lit the torch, he commented on his pride in being part of the Olympic movement, even for the Winter Games. The relay will travel through all 110 Italian provinces and include celebrations in 60 cities.
Notable Participants
- Gregorio Paltrinieri – Olympic swimming champion and first torchbearer
- Elisa Di Francisca – Retired fencer and two-time Olympic gold medalist
- Gianmarco Tamberi – 2020 Olympic high jump champion
- Matteo Berrettini – Professional tennis player
- Andrea Bargnani – Retired NBA player
- Max Biaggi – Former motorcycle racer
- Ricky Tognazzi – Actor, symbolically carried the torch on a Vespa
Historic Connections
The torch was initially ignited by Giancarlo Peris, who was the final torchbearer during the 1960 Rome Olympics. Now at 84, he reflects on the significance of his participation. He humorously noted that he never expected to be involved in such a ceremony again.
Key Dates and Locations
The torch relay will pass through iconic cities and regions, including:
- Christmas in Naples
- New Year’s Eve in Bari
- Turin on January 11
- Verona on January 18
- Cortina d’Ampezzo on January 26
Cortina d’Ampezzo’s lighting of the cauldron will coincide with the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Winter Olympics.
Organizational Efforts
Giovanni Malagò, president of the local organizing committee, emphasized the significance of the relay, especially as it will showcase Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. The event will serve as an extensive promotional campaign for the Winter Games.
The upcoming torch relay events are set to continue in Viterbo on Sunday and Terni on Monday, maintaining the excitement leading into the Milan Cortina Winter Games.
