What's happened
The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics torch relay started in Rome today, covering 12,000 km across Italy with 10,001 torchbearers. Despite low ticket sales, the event features multiple city celebrations and notable athletes, with the relay passing through all 110 provinces before the opening ceremony in Milan on February 6, 2026.
What's behind the headline?
The torch relay's extensive route and high number of torchbearers demonstrate Italy’s effort to generate nationwide excitement for the Olympics. However, low domestic ticket sales highlight a disconnect between public interest and the event’s perceived value. The relay’s passing through all provinces, including historic and tourist sites, is a strategic move to foster national pride. The postponement of some test events suggests logistical challenges, but the overall momentum indicates Italy remains committed to delivering a successful Games. The event’s timing, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, underscores Italy’s desire to position itself prominently on the international stage through sports diplomacy.
What the papers say
AP News reports that the relay was marked by protests and flags supporting Palestine and Venezuela, reflecting ongoing global tensions. The Independent highlights the scale of the relay and the participation of notable athletes like Gregorio Paltrinieri, Matteo Berrettini, and Max Biaggi, emphasizing the cultural significance of the event. Both sources note the low ticket sales domestically, with AP News pointing out that only about 850,000 tickets have been sold so far, while international sales are meeting expectations. The coverage underscores the logistical and public engagement challenges Italy faces ahead of the Winter Olympics, but also the strategic importance of the relay in building momentum for the Games.
How we got here
Italy is preparing to host the 2026 Winter Olympics across northern regions, including Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. The torch relay, a key tradition, began in Rome with athletes and public celebrations planned across the country. Ticket sales have been lower than expected domestically, though international sales are strong. The event aims to boost local engagement and showcase Italy’s winter sports venues.
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