The torch for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy has been unveiled, with the relay set to start in Rome in December.

The 77-centimeter torch actually contains the flame within its aluminum shell, rather than exposing it to the outside air. The aluminum shell is covered by a cap with holes and was designed by the Italian Pininfarina auto design company.

About 12,000 torches will be produced for the relay since the flame is designed to burn only 15 minutes in each torch.

Athens Olympic marathon champion Stefano Baldini of Italy is scheduled to be the first torchbearer. Italian designer Giorgio Armani and 2002 ice dance bronze medalists Barbara Fusar-Poli and Maurizio Margaglio are also among those chosen to carry the flame during the torch relay.

The torch relay is scheduled to start December 8 in Rome and finish February 10, 2006 in Turin during the Opening Ceremonies.