On Thursday, March 27, 2025, the semi-final of the 20th season of Pékin Express: La route des tribus légendaires aired on M6, setting the stage for an intense competition among the remaining three pairs. After a thrilling series of challenges, one pair was sadly eliminated just before the final, leaving fans eager to see who would secure their spot in the ultimate showdown.
Last week, Mattéo and Esmeralda were eliminated in the quarter-finals, paving the way for the remaining contestants: Cécile and Marion, Patricia and Adrien, and Étienne and Judith. The stakes were high as the pairs faced three demanding races, each one designed to test their endurance and wit. The objective was clear: avoid finishing last to steer clear of the dreaded black envelopes, which could spell elimination.
As the competition resumed, the pairs found themselves in northern South Africa, where the challenges included a breathtaking bungee jump from a height equivalent to a 20-story building, a strenuous trek, and an aquatic challenge. The first race took the contestants to the Graskop Gorges, where they had to leap from a staggering height of over 70 meters. Cécile and Marion, the student friends, emerged victorious, claiming the first amulet and setting a strong pace for the rest of the competition.
However, Patricia and Adrien struggled and finished last, drawing the first black envelope, which left them anxious about their fate. "The tension is at its peak because we know we can’t afford to make mistakes," Adrien confided, highlighting the pressure of the semi-final.
The second race led the pairs to the Blyde River Canyon, where they faced a challenging 7-kilometer trek. Each pair had to navigate the course while one member wore a helmet equipped with a sensor that immobilized them for one minute if it detected sudden movements. Cécile and Marion again showcased their skills, finishing first, followed by Étienne and Judith, who claimed their first amulet of the season along with a trip to South Africa. Unfortunately, Patricia and Adrien drew another black envelope, raising their elimination odds.
After a night spent with locals, the final race commenced at Wintbank Dam, where the pairs faced an aquatic challenge. One member was encased in a large plastic bubble while their partner guided them through the water to decipher a riddle. Cécile and Marion once again led the pack, solving the challenge first and winning a fifth amulet. In contrast, Patricia and Adrien, who had fought valiantly throughout the competition, were dealt a devastating blow as they drew the third and final black envelope, resulting in their elimination.
Despite the setback, the duo reflected on their journey with pride. "For me, Pékin Express has been a dream since I was ten years old. We did our best, and I’m proud of what we accomplished," Patricia expressed emotionally. Adrien echoed her sentiments, stating, "We fought hard, and we have no regrets. My little Patricia proved to everyone that she can do it. That’s the most beautiful victory of all." The pair decided to pass their amulets, worth a total of 50,000 euros, to Étienne and Judith, who now have a substantial advantage heading into the final.
As the competition narrows, Cécile and Marion will enter the final with 45,000 euros in winnings, while Étienne and Judith will have 55,000 euros, bolstered by the amulets from Patricia and Adrien. The grand finale is set to air on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 9:10 PM on M6, promising an exciting conclusion to this season of Pékin Express. Fans are left wondering who will triumph in this epic showdown.
The finale will not only test the pairs' physical capabilities but also their strategic thinking as they vie for the grand prize of 100,000 euros. With the elimination of Patricia and Adrien, the competition has become even more intense, and the remaining pairs are determined to seize victory.
This season, titled La route des tribus légendaires, has taken contestants through some of the most stunning landscapes in southern Africa, from Tanzania to South Africa, via Mozambique and Lesotho. As the journey comes to a close, the final pairs will undoubtedly give it their all, each hoping to claim the title and the lucrative prize.
As viewers await the finale, the excitement is palpable. Who will emerge victorious? Will Cécile and Marion's friendship and determination carry them to the finish line, or will Étienne and Judith's long-standing relationship prove to be their greatest asset? The answers lie just around the corner, as the final countdown begins.
