Under a cloud, Olympic flame begins its journey to the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

The Olympic flame began its journey Wednesday to the Milan Cortina Winter Games — missing a little of its usual magic.

Bad weather lashing western Greece forced organisers to move the torch-lighting ceremony indoors, from Olympia's ancient stadium and temples to a nearby museum.

The flame is lit by focusing the sun's rays with a concave mirror. But with skies overcast, officials used a backup flame kindled during a brief spell of sunshine at Monday's rehearsal.

Greek rower Petros Gaidatzis launched the torch relay, which, after reaching Italy, will be carried across the host country by about 10,000 runners before the February 6–22 competition.

The sun ultimately made an appearance over rain-soaked Olympia on Wednesday during the indoor ceremony.

Italy is hosting its third Winter Games, but preparations have been plagued by cost overruns and construction setbacks.

Organisers say there's plenty for fans to look forward to: a programme featuring 116 medal events, the debut of ski mountaineering, higher female participation and the return of NHL players to Olympic hockey.

After a short tour of Greece and a handover on December 4, the flame will begin a 63-day, 12,000-km relay through all 110 Italian provinces, highlighting cultural sites and host venues before reaching Milan's San Siro Stadium for the opening ceremony.