After an arduous 51-day, 14,100-kilometre journey across Asia, mother and son duo Caroline Bridge, 61, and her 21-year-old son Tom have etched their names in the history books as the first ever mother-son team to win the fifth series of BBC One’s Race Across the World. Their victory, sealed by a mere 19-minute lead over sisters Elizabeth and Letitia, captivated audiences and inspired a wave of admiration and debate across social media platforms.
The race began at the iconic Great Wall of China and wound its way through the breathtaking landscapes of China, Nepal, and finally the southernmost tip of India, Kanniyakumari. The final leg saw the remaining teams traverse over 1,000 kilometres from Panaji in Goa through the southern Indian states, culminating at the historic Vattakottai Fort, where the winners signed the final checkpoint book.
Caroline and Tom’s triumph was not just a testament to their endurance but to their resilience and unbreakable bond. The pair faced early setbacks, including a disheartening start where they found themselves over a day behind after struggling to secure transport out of Beijing. As Caroline recounted, “I put my rucksack down and I absolutely wept. But it possibly was the making of us as well.” Tom admitted that moment was a turning point, forcing them to recalibrate their approach and dig deep.
Throughout the race, Tom, who has cerebral palsy affecting his right hand, demonstrated remarkable growth in confidence and self-acceptance. Initially hesitant to discuss his condition, he found solace in the acceptance he experienced during their homestay with an Indian family and through his work with a carpet weaver. “I’d built up this wall in my own head,” he shared. “Now I’ve had so many messages from people who have similar things, and they found it really helpful.” This candid openness resonated with many viewers, adding a heartfelt layer to their journey.
Their victory was celebrated not only for the prize money of £20,000 but for the life-changing experiences and lessons learned along the way. Tom reflected, “Doing the experience in itself is winning but to actually get to that book first and open it and to see that it was empty was something that I’ll remember for the rest of my life.” Caroline echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the profound impact the race had on her self-belief and outlook on life. “I felt like I was sort of fading away,” she said. “The show restored my self-belief, and a much more carefree woman emerged.”
Beyond the race, Caroline and Tom have exciting plans fueled by their newfound passion for travel and entrepreneurship. The duo intends to embark on another adventure, this time backpacking through Kazakhstan later this year, embracing spontaneity and roughing it without the constraints of a camera crew. Caroline remarked, “We really want to do it like [Race Across the World] again, take night buses and maybe rough it a little bit, just get on and if something takes our eye and we’re told to do that, we can go there because there’s no plan and there’s no staying in a fancy hotel.” Tom added, “I just like the idea of going somewhere that’s completely unknown.”
Moreover, Tom is channeling his experiences into a business venture called Rugga Rural, which sells handmade rugs crafted by an Indian artisan community led by Mr Chhotaram. Inspired by their stay in Salawas, India, Tom has imported ten rugs and plans to open a pop-up shop in the UK, aiming to support the community by giving back a portion of the proceeds. “In a world where everything’s made in China and it’s all done quickly, it’s all mass produced,” Tom explained. “Handmade stuff that actually takes weeks to make is now really, really appealing.” Caroline even gifted Tom the rug he helped create for his 22nd birthday, symbolizing the deep connection forged during their travels.
The race was not without its challenges and moments of frugality. The pair operated on a strict budget of £1,140 per person, which meant careful spending and occasional sacrifices. Caroline recounted how she prevented Tom from tipping excessively to conserve funds, while Tom admitted, “Mum wouldn’t let me buy anything. There were so many like fridge magnets... but we couldn’t do it as we were on a budget.”
Their competitive spirit was a driving force behind their success. Caroline, an accomplished amateur event rider with several titles, admitted, “I’m really competitive. I just had this inner feeling… I just thought we could win this.” Tom, initially more focused on the experience than the outcome, eventually embraced the challenge. “At the start, a little bit, we let it get to us… but I think we adjusted and we learned and we became OK with doing no,” he reflected, highlighting the valuable life lessons gained from the race.
Despite their triumph, Caroline and Tom faced criticism on social media, with some viewers labeling them as “too posh” for the show. The duo addressed these perceptions candidly. Caroline noted, “Being judged by how you speak is no better or worse than being judged by how you look or your colour or your height… but you’re put in a box, which is a shame.” Tom added, “I was just hoping that people would look a bit deeper and see that we are just exactly the same as anybody else.”
The race also fostered lasting friendships among contestants, with the teams maintaining contact and planning reunions. The brothers Brian and Melvyn, who finished fourth, garnered a devoted fan base for their touching journey of reconciliation and camaraderie. Many viewers praised their story as the “real win” of the series, highlighting the profound personal growth that transcended the competition.
As the excitement from the finale continues to ripple, fans can look forward to the Race Across the World reunion episode airing on June 18, 2025, at 9 pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It promises to offer heartfelt reflections and behind-the-scenes insights into this unforgettable season.
Caroline and Tom’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, family bonds, and the transformative nature of travel. From the bustling streets of Beijing to the serene shores of southern India, their story has inspired countless viewers, proving that with determination and heart, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.
