Milano Cortina 2026: Live – Cyberattacks, Torch Relay & Opening Ceremony Updates
After yesterday’s massive gathering in Milan, where tens of thousands followed the torch’s route, the Olympic flame reached the iconic Arco della Pace this morning. The cauldron will be ignited there and remain alight for the entire duration of the Milan‑Cortina 2026 Winter Games.
Live Highlights of the Relay
At 08:24 UTC the torch entered its final stretch toward the cauldron, with the ceremony scheduled for 20:00 UTC at San Siro. The relay passed through Viale Pirelli, Bicocca metro, Piazza Istria and the Monumental Cemetery, drawing enthusiastic families and local supporters.
Among the torchbearers were Patrizia Silvestre (61), who recalled a long‑standing dream to run the relay, and Sebastiano Nicotria (34), who ran the segment from Via Farini to the cemetery while honoring his late mother.
Security Concerns and Cyber Attacks
At 11:08 UTC a fresh wave of DDoS attacks targeted websites linked to the Games, including the official event site, several national Olympic committees and a Cortina restaurant. The attacks were attributed to a pro‑Russian hacker group known as Noname057(16), with Anonymous also launching its own offensive campaign. Most sites continued to operate without major disruption.
Celebrity and Political Moments
Actress Marisa Tomei received the torch on Corso Garibaldi, describing the experience as “fantastic” and emphasizing the spirit of global unity. U.S. Athletes made a superstitious gesture in the Galleria del Duomo, while Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived at Linate airport and scheduled meetings with U.S. Vice‑President JD Vance and Polish President Karol Nawrocki before attending the opening ceremony.
Fiera Milano president Giovanni Bozzetti, as well as regional president Attilio Fontana, were among the “tedofori” (relay runners) who helped carry the flame.
Public Participation and Local Sentiment
Families turned the city streets into a festive corridor, with a 12‑year‑old boy named Tommaso describing the moment as “unique, something he may never see again.” Fans in Piazza Istria cheered the torchbearer Salvatore Cassetti, calling the Games “a super celebration of Milan’s image to the world.”
Meanwhile, activist groups staged protests against ICE presence and occupied the disused Palasharp venue, signaling ongoing local dissent.
Looking Ahead
The successful ignition of the Milan cauldron could set a positive tone for the opening ceremony at San Siro, reinforcing the message of unity amid the cyber threats and local protests. Security teams may increase monitoring of online platforms to deter further DDoS attempts, while organizers are likely to continue engaging community volunteers to sustain public enthusiasm throughout the Games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the Olympic cauldron be located in Milan?
The cauldron will be installed at the Arco della Pace, where it will be lit this evening.
When did the torch arrive at the Arco della Pace?
The torch reached the Arco della Pace in the morning hours of 6 February 2026, after completing its final relay segments.
Who were some of the notable figures involved in today’s relay?
Notable participants included actress Marisa Tomei, Fiera Milano president Giovanni Bozzetti, regional president Attilio Fontana, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who arrived for a scheduled meeting before the opening ceremony.
What aspects of today’s torch relay stand out to you, and how do you think they will shape the atmosphere of the upcoming Games?