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The Greatest Journey Begins
The Milano Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee has revealed the route for the Olympic Torch Relay, dubbing it "The Greatest Journey." The flame will travel across Italy for 63 days, covering 12,000 kilometers through all 110 provinces. The relay begins in Olympia, Greece on November 26, 2025, before arriving in Rome on December 4. The Italian leg officially starts on December 6.
Historic Stops Along the Route
The torch will spend Christmas in Naples and ring in the New Year in Bari. A particularly symbolic moment comes on January 26, 2026, when the flame returns to Cortina d'Ampezzo - exactly 70 years after the city hosted the 1956 Winter Games. The journey culminates at Milan's San Siro Stadium during the Opening Ceremony on February 6, 2026.
Uniting Italy Through Sport
Organizers emphasize this relay will celebrate "the new Italian Spirit," connecting communities across the country. With stops in 60 cities, the route highlights Italy's diverse regions and cultural heritage. The design recalls the traditional "Lucky Cloud" pattern used in previous relays, symbolizing harmony.
Logistical Marvel
Planning this massive operation involves coordinating thousands of torchbearers through varied terrain. The torch itself is engineered to withstand extreme conditions: heavy rain up to 50mm/hour and winds of 65 km/h. Propane fuel canisters ensure the flame burns consistently for 15-minute segments.
Security and Legacy Considerations
Following controversial relays like Beijing 2008 where protests disrupted events, security remains a priority. The IOC has since revised relay protocols to focus more on host nations rather than global routes. This Italy-only journey represents that safer, more focused approach while maximizing local engagement.
As preparations intensify, the torch relay serves as the symbolic countdown to the first Winter Games hosted in Italy since Turin 2006. The official Milano Cortina website will announce torchbearer selection in coming months.
