The Olympic Games represent the highest level of competition, where preparation, focus, and resilience come together on the world stage. As we look ahead to the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, music offers a powerful way to translate that intensity and emotion into an indoor cycling ride, helping instructors create moments that challenge the body while capturing the spirit of the Games.
The Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will showcase stunning landscapes and iconic venues, setting the stage for unforgettable competition across Northern Italy. This marks Italy’s fourth time hosting the Olympic Games and the first Winter Games officially co-hosted by two cities. The Games will take place from February 6 to 22, 2026.
Milan will host ice hockey, figure skating, short track, and speed skating, with the Opening Ceremony held at the iconic San Siro Stadium.
The mountainous region around Cortina d’Ampezzo and the Dolomites will host alpine skiing, bobsled, luge, skeleton, Nordic events, snowboarding, and curling, bringing the heart of winter sport to the Alps.
Alongside beloved events such as hockey, skiing, bobsledding, and figure skating, ski mountaineering will make its Olympic debut.
Often called skimo, ski mountaineering is a winter endurance sport that blends uphill climbing on skis with technical downhill descents in alpine terrain. Athletes use lightweight skis fitted with climbing skins to grip the snow during steep ascents. At the summit, skins are removed, bindings are locked in, and competitors descend narrow, challenging routes. Transitions matter just as much as fitness, demanding speed, efficiency, and composure.
Music and the Olympic Spirit
Music has always played a powerful role in the Olympics. It sets the emotional tone, builds anticipation, and helps tell the story of the Games beyond sport. From opening ceremonies to medal moments, music brings together culture, history, and national identity, turning competition into something shared and deeply human.
At the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, music will reflect both modern energy and deep tradition, echoing Italy’s rhythm, artistry, and passion. Just like the athletes, the music carries momentum, discipline, and emotion, pushing moments from memorable to unforgettable.
The official soundtrack of the Games is “Italian Fantasia” by Dardust, blending Italian tradition with modern electronic sounds.
Italian Fantasia, Dardust, 3:10, 124 bpm
There is also an official Games anthem, “Fino all’alba (Until the Dawn),” performed by Arisa. It captures the excitement and emotion leading into the Games and was selected through a national vote.
Andrea Farri, musical director and composer of the opening ceremony, has shared that “harmony, peace, and sustainability are the messages we want to convey.” Music will play a central role in bringing those themes to life, with performances from global and Italian icons including Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli, and Laura Pausini.
Fino all’alba (Until the Dawn), Arisa, 3:39, 130 bpm
Fantasy, Mariah Carey, 4:03, 102 bpm
Light, upbeat, and instantly energizing, this track works beautifully as a warm-up or flat road. The steady tempo helps riders find rhythm, gradually raise cadence, and wake up the legs while keeping the effort relaxed and joyful.
Andrea Bocelli & Céline Dion, The Prayer, 4:29, 82 bpm
A powerful, reflective piece that recalls the emotion of the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony. Calm and expansive, it’s ideal for a cool-down, encouraging slower breathing and a composed finish.
Laura Pausini, Surrender (Erick Kupper Remix), 4:06, 126 bpm
A go-to climbing track with a driving, consistent beat that supports seated resistance work. It locks riders into the rhythm and builds confidence without forcing the effort.
Meduza, Piece of Your Heart, 2:33, 124 bpm
Meduza is an Italian group known for their sleek, melodic house sound that blends deep basslines with emotional vocals. They rose to global attention with this song, a track built on a steady, pulsing beat. The consistent tempo makes it easy to settle into the cadence, while the understated build keeps riders focused without overwhelming the effort, making it a strong choice for endurance-focused segments.
Måneskin, Beggin’, 3:34, 134 bpm
An Italian rock band with global reach, Måneskin brings raw energy and attitude to this track. The gritty bassline and relentless pulse make it a strong choice for a harder push or standing climb, encouraging riders to lean into confidence, power, and controlled intensity.
Satisfaction, Benny Benassi & David Guetta, 2:36, 126 bpm
A defining track from Italian electronic music, this song delivers raw, industrial energy with a driving beat that demands commitment. It works especially well for heavy climbs or short power efforts, where riders can lock into resistance, embrace the repetition, and push through with focus and grit.
ICA has celebrated many Olympic themes over the years, and it’s always inspiring to look back at some of these standout ideas.
The Paris 2024 Olympics post offered powerful inspiration through music and movement, with plenty more to explore in the ICA post Gear Up for the Paris Olympics with ICA’s Exciting Bucket Playlists and Profiles!
It’s a great resource for instructors looking to bring Olympic energy, storytelling, and intention into their rides.