Anticipation filled the air across Brianza as the famed Olympic flame drew closer to Como, shining a spotlight on the region’s rich heritage and passion for sport. This remarkable moment was part of Stage 58 of the Milano-Cortina 2026 torch relay, which started its day in Dalmine, Bergamo province, on February 3, 2026.
From there, the flame set out on a 50-kilometer journey, weaving through well-known towns like Seregno, Meda, and Cantù, and even making a memorable stop at Crespi d’Adda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Communities all along the way were treated to an inspiring spectacle as 50 torchbearers carried the flame, each one a representative of Italy’s vibrant sports spirit.
Fifty torchbearers carried the Olympic flame through historic towns and vibrant crowds, uniting communities with every step of its extraordinary journey.
As the torch continued its Lombard adventure, crowds waving Italian flags and Olympic banners lined the route, bursting into cheers from balconies and along roadside barriers. The journey was not all on solid ground—when the flame reached the shores of Lake Como, the torchbearers switched to a boat for a dramatic lake crossing. During this historic relay, Cesc Fabregas, coach of Como, took his place as a torchbearer, thrilling the attending football fans and emphasizing the connection between local sports figures and the Olympic tradition.
The boat procession dazzled everyone watching, especially as aerial fireworks painted the night sky, making the passage across historic Lake Como not only symbolic but visually unforgettable.
Excitement reached its peak at Como’s Piazza Cavour, where the city hosted the grand conclusion of Stage 58 as the penultimate relay segment. Famous athletes like Cesc Fabregas, Javier Zanetti, Alisha Lehmann, and Riccardo Moraschini helped carry the flame, representing football and basketball and nodding to Italy’s multi-sport legacy.
Their participation amplified the sense of unity and pride that pulsed through the gathering crowd. The ceremonial ignition of the Olympic cauldron in Piazza Cavour, under the glow of evening lights and a sea of waving flags, officially declared Como’s important role in the upcoming Games.
With only days until the February 6 opening ceremony in Milan, Stage 58 served as a vibrant celebration and a pivotal stop on the torch’s long journey across all of Italy’s regions—hinting at even more excitement still to come.
