In an exhilarating finale filled with challenges and cultural immersion, the duo known as the Medagliati, comprising Italian sports icons Jury Chechi and Antonio Rossi, triumphed in the 2025 edition of Pechino Express. The final episode aired on May 8, 2025, and showcased the culmination of an adventurous journey that spanned over 6,000 kilometers through the Philippines, Thailand, and Nepal.
The grand finale kicked off at the Skywalk Tower in Kathmandu, where the competitive spirit was palpable. The Medagliati faced off against two other pairs: the Complici, consisting of singer Dolcenera and Gigi Campanile, and the Estetici, featuring actors Giulio Berruti and Nicolò Maltese. The Complici, who won the previous leg of the competition, had the power to impose a penalty on another team. They chose to penalize the Estetici, forcing them to complete 50 laps around the Skywalk Tower before they could proceed.
Once the competition was underway, the three pairs set out to visit the famed Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, each known for their stunning architecture and cultural significance. The host, Costantino della Gherardesca, announced the first challenge: assisting Hindu ascetics, known as sādhu, with their face painting rituals in Patan. This task required the contestants to find their assigned sādhu and complete the intricate face designs, which symbolize divine energy.
After successfully completing the face painting, the couples were tasked with a musical challenge. They had to find three local Nepalese individuals to sing the catchy chorus of the song "Fatti mandare dalla mamma a prendere il latte" by Gianni Morandi. The Medagliati and the Complici managed to perform this task efficiently, while the Estetici struggled, needing to repeat the performance due to a lack of enthusiasm from their chosen singers.
As the competition progressed, the pairs raced to Bhaktapur, where they had to deliver milk to a yogurt shop and consume 30 bowls of jujudhau, a local delicacy made from buffalo milk. The Medagliati and Complici reached the shop first, while the Estetici faced setbacks, leading to their eventual elimination at the first red carpet of the finale.
With the Estetici out of the race, the final showdown was between the Medagliati and the Complici. After a brief respite at the Shechen Monastery, where both pairs received 3,000 Nepalese rupees for a celebratory toast, they prepared for the last leg of the competition. The final day involved a trek to the Sikali Temple, where they partnered with Sherpas to navigate a challenging 1-kilometer route filled with climbs, descents, and a suspension bridge.
During this segment, Jury Chechi experienced vertigo while crossing the bridge, but with encouragement from his partner Antonio Rossi and the support of Dolcenera, they managed to push through. The couples then arrived at the Crimpanzee Adventure Hub, where they faced another challenge: climbing a wall to uncover the next destination, "Kumari Patan." This location is significant as it is home to the Kumari, a living goddess revered in Nepalese culture.
Upon meeting the Kumari, each couple received a Christmas cup featuring a snowman as a clue, directing them to the Snowman Café in Kathmandu. Both pairs quickly deciphered the hint and made their way to the café, where they found a letter from Costantino reflecting on their journey and encouraging them to search for the final red carpet location.
After a series of tasks that included answering questions about the history of the Kathmandu Valley, the Medagliati and Complici raced to the Uma Maheshwor Temple, where the final announcement awaited them. In a dramatic moment, Costantino declared, "The winners of Pechino Express 2025 are... the Medagliati, Jury Chechi and Antonio Rossi!" The announcement was met with cheers from the local audience, celebrating the duo's victory.
The Complici, despite finishing second, expressed their joy for the experience and the bond they had strengthened over the course of the competition. Dolcenera and Gigi Campanile celebrated their 30 years of collaboration, while the Estetici reflected on their journey, grateful for the opportunity to participate.
As the show concluded, it was clear that the Medagliati's victory was not just about winning, but a testament to their friendship, teamwork, and the spirit of adventure that Pechino Express embodies. The finale showcased the beauty of Nepal, the richness of its culture, and the resilience of its people, leaving an indelible mark on both the contestants and the viewers.
