Behind the wheel of their magnificent 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS Spider Zagato, the Argentine duo Tonconogy successfully defended their lead against attacks from their closest rivals. Right up to the finish in Brescia, they proved their skill time and again at the timing points.
For Argentine Juan Tonconogy, this is his fourth personal victory in the ‘Mille Miglia’ (following wins in 2013, 2016 and 2018), but it is the first time he has won alongside his sister Margarita. A historic achievement that brings to an end the extraordinary winning streak of Andrea Vesco, the undisputed master of the last six consecutive editions (from 2020 to 2025)
Second place on the podium went to Andrea Vesco and Fabio Salvinelli from Brescia in a 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS Spider Zagato. They played a leading role in the battle that made this 1000 Miglia more thrilling than ever.
Third place in the overall classification went to Lorenzo and Mario Turelli, who drove with great consistency and precision in their 1929 O.M. 665 S MM Superba.
There were no surprises, however, in the Coppa delle Dame: this prize went to Silvia Marini for the 10th time, co-driven by Francesca Ruggeri in a 1947 Cisitalia 202 S MM Spider.
And so the circle is complete, right where it all began. The 2026 Mille Miglia convoy made a spectacular return to Brescia, passing the historic podium on Viale Venezia after a journey of nearly 2,000 kilometres along breathtaking roads. Five intense stages combined the technical challenge of 144 time trials and 8 average-speed tests with the timeless beauty of the landscape, reaffirming the ‘Mille Miglia’ as the most beautiful race in the world. Vittorino Battaglia and Giordano Mozzi triumphed in the Ferrari Tribute 1000 Miglia in a 2019 488 Spider, whilst Shimitzu Ryotaro and Jari-Matti Latvala emerged as the winners of the Gran Turismo Experience.
A JOURNEY THROUGH ITALY’S HISTORY AND BEAUTY
The long procession of more than 430 teams set off from Brescia under a blazing sun and followed a brand-new route. For the first time, the route took the riders through Val Trompia and Val Gobbia, with a checkpoint at Beretta’s headquarters – in honour of the company’s 500th anniversary – after which the participants were cheered on by the crowds in Lumezzane and on the shores of Lake Garda.
After passing through the Veneto region, the peloton began the descent into the Apennines and crossed the Abetone Pass at an altitude of 1,388 metres, in a cool breeze.
The third stage was characterised by the enchanting beauty of Tuscany and Lazio: from the time trials on the city walls of Lucca to the spectacular lunch stop in Siena’s Piazza del Campo, which, in keeping with tradition, was draped in the Italian tricolour. This was undoubtedly one of the highlights of this five-day event.
The return journey towards the Adriatic coast during the fourth stage offered moments of particular intensity, such as the passage through the forecourt of the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Porziuncola (Assisi) to pay homage to Saint Francis – eight hundred years after his death –, the ride through the picturesque Gola del Furlo and the spectacular climb to the heart of Monte Titano for the checkpoint in Piazza della Libertà in San Marino.
Finally, the last and decisive stage set off from Rimini. During this stage, the convoy drove past the Castello Estense in Ferrara, after which the participants enjoyed a final lunch in the beautiful surroundings of the Fruttiere at Palazzo Te in Mantua, warmly cheered on by the crowds in the historic centre.
In the afternoon, before returning to Brescia, the cars completed the final checkpoints, passing by the 4th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment (Peschiera), Guidizzolo, Castiglione delle Stiviere and Montirone, until reaching the final time checkpoint at 3.00 pm, which marked the start of the victory parade.
There was a brief moment of panic for the Soffers from the Netherlands, who were driving a beautiful 1954 Talbot Lago that ended up overturned in a ditch after swerving a little too far on a bend. Fortunately, there were no injuries and they were immediately helped out of the car by bystanders.
This brought the 99th edition of the 1000 Miglia to a close. All eyes are already on 2027, the year of the centenary. The race will then return to its traditional slot in the week of 22 to 29 May. The event promises to be a 1000 Miglia that will once again bring numerous innovations, whilst also retaining the familiar, exhilarating atmosphere of yesteryear.
Text: Mille Miglia, Dirk Ivens and Sonja Somers. Photos: Dirk Ivens
