ROME — A recent transport strike occurring during an official rehearsal event for the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics underscored the importance of ongoing negotiations between organizers and trade unions to prevent disruptions during next year’s Winter Games. Last Friday, workers from Azienda Trasporti Milanesi (ATM) initiated a walkout, which halted all metro, bus, and tram services in Milan. This unexpected strike forced the organizers of a short-track speedskating event to request emergency buses to ferry school children to the Assago arena, a venue that will also host competitions during the Olympics.
Milan-Cortina CEO Andrea Varnier remarked on the significance of this incident, stating that it was an instructive experience to develop an emergency plan on-the-fly. He expressed hope that cooperation among all stakeholders would help avert strikes throughout the Olympics. In Italy, strikes by union workers frequently disrupt transportation systems, impacting not just local commutes but also air travel and rail services. Given the geographical spread of the six venue clusters over a vast area of more than 22,000 square kilometers, efficient public transport will be critical to the successful operation of the Winter Games.
Varnier emphasized the essential nature of a functional transport system for the Games, which he described as fundamental to their success. In recent months, numerous sectors including education, healthcare, and waste management have seen workers striking across Italy, often on Fridays, primarily in protest against declining real wages and budget cuts that are believed to have weakened public services. This pattern of strikes has also affected events such as Milan Fashion Week, leading to traffic difficulties and challenges in transporting attendees between venues.
The strike situation poses a particular concern as the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Olympics is set for Friday, February 6, 2026, with two additional Fridays designated for competition before the Games conclude on February 22, 2026. Varnier noted that discussions are underway with the labor minister and unions to minimize the potential for disruptions during the Games.
In parallel, the upcoming Olympics will mark a transitional period for the International Olympic Committee (IOC), as the 2026 Games will be the first to implement financial responsibility reforms championed by IOC president Thomas Bach, utilizing primarily existing sports facilities. Additionally, the 2026 Games will be characterized by the introduction of a new IOC president, with seven candidates vying for election next month in Greece. The selected individual will succeed Bach in June and will be working closely with the Milan-Cortina organizing committee as preparations for the Games progress.
Another change in leadership may come from within the organizing body itself, as Giovanni Malagò, president of Milan-Cortina and the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), is approaching the end of his current term in May. Discussions among Italian politicians are ongoing regarding the potential extension of Malagò’s term until after the Games, though he will retain his role with the organizing committee regardless of the outcome. The introduction of a new CONI president would create a position for them on the executive board of Milan-Cortina.
Varnier expressed a preference for stability within the organizing committee, indicating that relocating leadership during the event could detract from the focus on the Games.
In ticketing news, organizers reported selling 300,000 tickets within the initial six days of availability, out of a total of 1.5 million tickets for the event. The average purchaser acquired about seven tickets, with a significant portion priced below 100 euros ($105). Public ticket sales, which will not require pre-registration, are expected to commence in April.
With construction underway on a contentious sliding center in Cortina, organizers are optimistic about meeting a deadline for pre-certification of the track set by the IOC by the end of March. The Italian government is expediting construction efforts, and Varnier shared that plans are in motion as if the track is nearing completion. Concerns have been raised about environmental impacts, particularly regarding deforestation to make way for the new facility. However, officials have pointed out that the former cement track left unused for years was much less sustainable than the new construction.
The new track will also contribute energy to the ice arena in Cortina, which will host curling at the Olympics. Despite challenges, the commitment to bring modern infrastructure to the region has been reiterated, with assurances regarding the improved sustainability of the new facilities.
