Milan-Cortina Olympics: Torch Relay Begins Amid Venue Concerns
The Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic organizers have admitted to a time crunch as the torch relay commences, with a focus on completing venue preparations. Despite the challenge, Andrea Varnier, the chief of the organizing committee, expressed confidence in their progress, highlighting the emotions and energy the relay brings to the team.
The main concern is the Santa Giulia arena in Milan, a building site that will host the majority of the ice hockey tournament. Stars from the NHL will return to the Winter Olympics after a 12-year hiatus. A key test event is scheduled for January 9-11, with seven club matches to be played on the rink.
Varnier acknowledged the arena's delays but assured that they are on track, emphasizing the importance of its readiness for the tournament. According to Milano-Cortina 2026, 850,000 tickets out of 1.4 million have been sold, with positive sales trends.
The torch relay, a 12,000-kilometer journey through 300 cities, will conclude in Milan on February 5, leading up to the opening ceremony. Swimmer Gregorio Paltrinieri, a gold medalist in Rio 2016, kicked off the relay, passing the torch to other athletes and public figures. The torch will visit iconic Roman sites before finishing its Rome leg at Piazza del Popolo.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will span a vast area from Milan to Cortina d'Ampezzo, utilizing existing facilities to minimize costs and environmental impact, marking a significant shift in Winter Olympic history.
