MotoGP stars are now all set to carry the Olympic flame for the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics. It’s one of those crossover moments that adds pure magic to the build-up, blending two-wheel speed with winter wonder. From grid warriors to torchbearers, Italian motorsport icons are stealing the spotlight ahead of the Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
2026 Milan Winter Olympics Torch Relay Kicks Off with MotoGP Fire
The 2026 Milan Winter Olympics torch relay started its Italian leg on December 6, 2025, after igniting in Greece, snaking 12,000 km across the country. It wraps up at San Siro Stadium on February 6, 2026, for the opening ceremony. Right from day one, MotoGP royalty stepped up. Max Biaggi, double World Superbike champ and four-time 250cc king, was among the first to grip the flame, setting an electrifying tone. Then, Danilo Petrucci, with his two MotoGP wins, carried it on December 8, proving his passion runs beyond circuits.
Nine-time Motocross legend Tony Cairoli lit up Palermo on December 15, drawing massive crowds. Ducati’s off-road ace Alessandro Lupino opened the relay from CONI headquarters, calling it an emotional honour. Paolo Simoncelli, father of the late Marco and SIC58 Moto3 team owner, ran with it on January 5, dedicating the moment to his son as a tribute to peace and unity.
Bezzecchi and Bagnaia Keep the Flame Alive
Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi, fresh off a third-place MotoGP finish in 2025, turned Rimini’s streets golden on January 5 by lighting the local cauldron, no bike needed, just pure grit. Double MotoGP champ Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia takes the baton on January 11, embodying speed and determination. The grand finale comes January 26 with 15-time GP king Giacomo Agostini in Cortina, marking 70 years since the 1956 Games there.
Notably absent? Valentino Rossi, though, the list packs enough star power. Other motorsport names like ex-F1 driver Antonio Giovinazzi add to the hype.
Why This Feels Like Pure Cinema
These torchbearers aren’t just celebs; they represent Italy’s racing heartbeat, fueling Olympic dreams. From Biaggi’s early charge to Agostini’s closing lap, it’s a relay of resilience, much like battling for podiums. As the flame heads to San Siro, expect chills bigger than a last-lap duel. MotoGP fans, this is your cue to cheer louder. The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics just got a turbo boost, stay tuned as the fire reaches the cauldron.
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