Mille Miglia 2026 – report
From 9 to 13 June 2026, more than 400 historic automobiles took part in the legendary Mille Miglia, widely regarded as the most beautiful race in the world. Over five unforgettable days, the competitors travelled through breathtaking landscapes, historic cities, mountain passes and UNESCO World Heritage sites across Italy.
During this year’s edition, Geert Kistemaker of Heritage Cars provided technical support to several exceptional entrants: the Maserati A6, a Ferrari 195, a Panhard Dyna X86 and the Cisitalia 202 SMM. Supporting cars in an event as demanding as the Mille Miglia requires extensive preparation, mechanical expertise and the ability to solve problems under pressure, all while following the rally across Italy’s constantly changing terrain.
Day 1 – Brescia to Padua
The event traditionally started in Brescia, where the atmosphere was electric as the cars departed in front of thousands of enthusiastic spectators. The route climbed through the Trompia Valley and Gobbia Valley before a stop in Lumezzane. After crossing the Cavallo Pass, the competitors descended into the Sabbia Valley, skirted the shores of Lake Garda, passed through Vicenza and eventually reached Padua at the end of the first day.
The opening stage immediately tested both drivers and machinery, with steep climbs and demanding temperatures placing stress on many of the participating cars. The Heritage Cars-supported entries performed strongly and completed the day without major issues.
Day 2 – Padua to Montecatini Terme
The second leg headed west through Ferrara, Modena and Reggio Emilia before climbing the famous Abetone Pass. The day ended in the elegant spa town of Montecatini Terme, surrounded by beautiful Art Nouveau architecture.
The combination of long distances, mountain roads and changing weather conditions highlighted the importance of reliable technical support. Throughout the event, Geert and the Heritage Cars team assisted the crews with inspections, adjustments and preventative maintenance to keep the cars running at their best.
Day 3 – Montecatini Terme to Rome
On Thursday, the rally headed towards Versilia and passed through Pietrasanta, internationally renowned for sculpture and contemporary art. After lunch in the spectacular Piazza del Campo in Siena, the route continued via Lake Bolsena and Lake Vico before reaching Rome, the traditional turning point of the Mille Miglia.
The arrival in Rome remains one of the emotional highlights of the event, with historic cars driving through the illuminated streets of the Italian capital after an intense day on the road.
Day 4 – Rome to Rimini
The fourth stage brought the competitors north again, passing through Assisi during the celebrations surrounding the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Francis. After lunch in Gubbio, the route continued through the dramatic Furlo Gorge before finishing in Rimini on the Adriatic coast.
By this point in the rally, fatigue for both drivers and machines becomes a serious factor. The Ferrari 195, Maserati A6, Panhard Dyna X86 and Cisitalia 202 SMM all continued to perform admirably, demonstrating the durability and engineering excellence of these remarkable historic automobiles.
Day 5 – Rimini to Brescia
The final day led the cars through the salt pans of Cervia and Comacchio before returning through Ferrara, where the route crossed the outbound journey from earlier in the week. Following a final stop in Mantua, the competitors returned to Brescia, finishing in the historic Viale Venezia where the Mille Miglia traditionally begins and ends.
After five demanding days and thousands of kilometres across Italy, all Heritage Cars-supported entries successfully completed the event — an achievement that reflects both the dedication of the crews and the careful technical preparation behind the scenes.
For Heritage Cars, participating in the Mille Miglia is always about more than mechanics alone. It is about preserving automotive history, supporting passionate owners and keeping some of the world’s most important historic racing cars alive and active on the roads they were built to conquer.
