On Saturday, April 5, 2025, Cécile and Marion emerged victorious in the 20th season of Pékin Express, defeating the formidable duo of Étienne and Judith in a nail-biting finale held in Johannesburg, South Africa. This season finale was not just another episode; it marked the culmination of 45 days of intense competition across Africa, showcasing resilience, strategy, and the power of friendship.
The final showdown was divided into three races, each designed to test the contestants' physical and mental limits. Cécile and Marion, both former second runners-up in Miss France, started strong, winning the first two races and stealing a total of 21,000 euros from their opponents. However, the tide turned in the third race, where they faced unexpected challenges, leading to a significant loss of funds.
In the final sprint, Cécile and Marion found themselves at a disadvantage, starting with only 4,900 euros compared to Étienne and Judith's impressive 95,100 euros. Despite this setback, the two friends displayed remarkable determination and teamwork. They raced through Johannesburg, ultimately crossing the finish line just a minute and thirty seconds ahead of their rivals, marking the closest finish in the show's history.
Stéphane Rotenberg, the host of Pékin Express, described the finale as the most intense in the show's two-decade history. Cécile, a sixth-year pharmacy student, and Marion, who is passionate about fashion and cycling, have been friends for years, their bond strengthened through shared experiences and challenges. "We came as friends and left as sisters," Cécile reflected, highlighting the emotional journey they undertook during the competition.
The finale was not without its challenges. In one of the most thrilling segments, contestants had to answer general knowledge questions while suspended 40 meters in the air. A wrong answer resulted in a dramatic drop, adding to the tension. Cécile and Marion managed to keep pace with Étienne and Judith throughout the challenges, but the latter duo gained a significant advantage in a challenge that required them to find geographical coordinates in a church.
Despite their initial lead, the final stretch proved to be daunting for Cécile and Marion. They faced difficulties in securing rides from locals, causing them to worry about their chances of winning. "We had a moment of intense pressure because suddenly, no cars were stopping for us," Marion recounted. Yet, their determination paid off as they ultimately tore through the finish line banner, securing their victory.
In the aftermath of their win, Cécile and Marion were overwhelmed with emotions. "It was a mix of relief and pride," Cécile said, emphasizing how much the victory meant to them. Marion added, "Winning Pékin Express is a dream. I will never forget everything that happened during this adventure." The duo plans to use their winnings to further their personal goals—Cécile intends to donate her share to her humanitarian organization, Sunny Steps, which supports orphans in Tanzania, while Marion aims to invest in her upcoming clothing brand.
However, the finale also sparked controversy, with some viewers accusing Cécile and Marion of cheating during the cable car challenge, claiming they had an unfair advantage by peeking at answers through the glass. As of now, the pair has chosen to focus on their victory, ignoring the accusations as they celebrate their achievement.
Étienne and Judith, despite their loss, expressed their gratitude for the experience. "We may not have won Pékin Express, but we gained so much more," Étienne said, highlighting the bond he shares with Judith. "This was a life adventure, and I did it with the love of my life." Judith echoed his sentiments, stating, "Being here was our dream, and we lived it together. I wouldn’t have wanted to do this with anyone else."
The emotional rollercoaster of the finale left a lasting impression on both teams. Cécile and Marion's journey from competitors to lifelong friends is a testament to the spirit of Pékin Express. As they move forward, they carry with them not just the memories of their adventure but also a deeper understanding of themselves and each other.
As the dust settles on this thrilling season, fans eagerly await what the future holds for both the winners and the runners-up. With their unique backgrounds and aspirations, Cécile and Marion have undoubtedly left a mark on the show's legacy, inspiring viewers with their determination and camaraderie.
