On February 27, 2025, the beloved duo Moâde and Ludovic faced their heartbreaking elimination from the popular reality competition "Pékin Express: La route des tribus légendaires." This shocking turn of events unfolded during the seventh episode of the season, just as the pairs were on the verge of advancing to South Africa, the next destination on their adventure.
The episode commenced with the host Stéphane Rotenberg announcing significant changes to the competition rules, stressing, "From now, all upcoming stages will be eliminatory." This announcement raised the stakes, and the pressure mounted among the six remaining pairs vying for their tickets to the next leg of their journeys.
Diving straight back to the climax of the episode, Moâde, characterized as the social and easy-going engineer, and Ludovic, the solitary and methodical accountant, found themselves pitted against Étienne and Judith. These two competitors from the North had quickly gained the affection of the audience, making the stakes of their duel final not just competitive but emotionally charged.
Moâde and Ludovic had initially performed strongly, leading several sprints throughout the episode and displaying tenacity. Despite this, luck seemed to evade them during the final challenges, wherein Ludovic expressed, "It's too early for me… but what an adventure!" His poignant words encapsulated the duo's disbelief at their departure.
Reflecting on their experience, both competitors voiced their tremendous disappointment yet immense pride. Moâde remarked, “It’s true we might not have been viewed as finalists at first, but from the very first moments of our duo, I sensed our potential—we had the will and the physical capabilities.” The duos' bond evolved from strangers to friends as they navigated the myriad challenges laid before them throughout the competition. Ludovic noted his surprise at the strength of their connection, emphasizing, "It's someone I wouldn't normally meet, but I will never forget him."
Throughout the episode, the competition unfolded with three rapid sprints and varied tasks. The stakes crescendoed as each winner was awarded tickets to the next leg of the competition, creating tension and excitement for fans. The duo’s leading performance took a toll on their morale when luck faltered, leading to their final face-off.
Moâde and Ludovic's exit incited waves of emotion among loyal viewers, many of whom saw them as underdogs and favorites and lamented their loss. Both competitors shared their thoughts on leaving the game so soon, with Ludovic expressing regret, especially for his younger brother Romain, who had been rooting for him. "He was dreaming of me making it to the end, and so was I," he said with emotion choking his voice.
The support from fans remained overwhelmingly positive, with both Moâde and Ludovic expressing gratitude for the encouragement they received. Moâde noted, "I thought I might receive 90% kind messages and 10% hateful ones, but it was the opposite—100% support and kindness, and this touches us 깊이."
Even after their departure, the duo emphasized their lasting friendship formed during this unique experience. Recognizing the unpredictable nature of the competition, they acknowledged the role of chance and fate, with Moâde stating, "There are days where you just do not understand. Every partner is faced with their own unique challenges; fortune sometimes does not shine on you."
Despite their emotional farewell, Moâde and Ludovic left the competition with cherished memories of their shared adventure, stating, "Our dream ends here today, but our bond persists." The highlights of their relationship, bolstered by respect for each other's differing personalities, created an unforgettable presence for viewers. Ludovic humorously added, "Mr. Thierry Guillaume, the producer, I'm ready for the 'All-Stars'!”
This seventh leg served as not just another stage but as the pivot point of divergent paths, where camaraderie and competition met head-on. Moâde and Ludovic’s story, filled with ups and downs, laughter and tears, has left its imprint on the viewers’ hearts and the show’s legacy, ensuring their spirit is vividly remembered.