MotoGP stars at Winter Olympics will be in the spotlight as notable racers, including double world champion Pecco Bagnaia and the legendary Giacomo Agostini, take on the role of torchbearers for the upcoming Milan Winter Olympics. The 2026 Winter Games, set to run from February 6 to 22 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, will see these motorsport icons contribute to the Olympic tradition.
MotoGP Champions Among Torchbearers for Milan 2026
The Olympic torch relay, a custom dating back decades, began its journey in Greece on November 26, 2025, before reaching Italy on December 6. Athletes from various corners of Italian sports have participated, prominently featuring illustrious MotoGP and motorsport figures.
Among the first to carry the torch during its Italian leg was Max Biaggi, renowned for his successes both as a Double World Superbike champion and as a four-time 250cc world champion. Just two days after the relay’s arrival in Italy, Danilo Petrucci, a two-time MotoGP race winner, became a torchbearer on December 8. The parade of stars continued as Tony Cairoli, who boasts nine Motocross world championships, held the torch on December 15.
Family Meaning and Emotional Tributes
Paolo Simoncelli, known in the MotoGP community as the SIC58 Moto3 team owner and the father of the late racer Marco Simoncelli, had his moment with the flame on January 5. Reflecting on this honor, he shared:
“I won’t hide the fact that this makes me very emotional. Thanks so much for the invitation to me, because I think it is a tribute to my son Marco.
“I hope he will watch us and be satisfied.
“I give a huge importance to the Olympics, because they should be a sign of peace and reunion for all peoples. Maybe they will help make people think.
For me, they are fundamental.
The relay continued to feature current MotoGP competitors, such as Marco Bezzecchi of Aprilia, who carried the torch through Rimini. Pecco Bagnaia, the reigning double MotoGP world champion, is scheduled to participate as a torchbearer on January 11. Meanwhile, the legendary Giacomo Agostini, holder of fifteen Grand Prix motorcycle world titles, will carry the flame on January 26.
Other Sporting Figures and Absentees
Alongside these MotoGP stars, other motorsport personalities have had the honor, including ex-Formula 1 driver and Le Mans winner Antonio Giovinazzi and his Ferrari WEC teammate Antonio Fuoco. Notably, the list of torchbearers does not include the globally recognized Valentino Rossi, a surprising absence among the Italian icons featured.
Looking Forward to the Games
The 2026 Winter Olympics will officially commence with the Olympic cauldron’s lighting at Milan’s San Siro Stadium, marking the start of the 25th edition of the Games. The event highlights not only the rich tradition of the torch relay but also the unifying power of sport, bringing together stars from MotoGP, other disciplines, and fans across the globe to celebrate peace and unity during the Milan Winter Olympics.
