On Thursday, March 13, 2025, twin mothers Amandine and Alison were eliminated from the competition show Pékin Express: La route des tribus légendaires after putting up strong performances throughout the season. Their departure came just shy of the quarter-finals after they faced off against fellow contestants Adrien and Patricia.
After traveling across four Southern African nations, their adventure culminated during the ninth stage, held this week in Lesotho. The elimination shocked many viewers, especially considering the emotional and physical stamina the twins displayed over the past weeks.
Reflecting on their experience, Amandine expressed: “I have been dreaming of participating in Pékin Express and to have lived it with my sister makes it even more special. It's heart-wrenching to know it’s ending now.” And Alison added: “We spent nine weeks away from our children, constantly pushing our limits, so saying goodbye to this adventure is incredibly hard.”
Throughout their time on the show, Amandine and Alison strove to show their capabilities beyond being just mothers. They initially gained fame by being the first to win an amulet during the competition, which occurred when they triumphed during their first night with locals in Tanzania.
During the ninth episode, significant drama unfolded as Amandine and Alison faced tough competition. The host, Stéphane Rotenberg, set the stage for high stakes, putting pressure on teams by announcing the return of the separation rule. Cécile and Marion, highly motivated participants, successfully utilized this strategy by choosing to place Amandine at the stop challenge and sending Alison to compete for immunity. This decision paid off as Cécile and Marion secured first place, winning the amulet worth €10,000.
The tension culminated during the final duel, where Alison faced off against Adrien, culminating in her defeat. Both Alison and Amandine were very disappointed even as they congratulated their opponents. They graciously offered their two amulets to Adrien and Patricia, recognizing their skill and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
Amandine shared her fondest memories: “One of the best moments for us was when we were welcomed by locals who showed us immense kindness during our first night. The generosity we experienced was overwhelming.” Alison echoed this sentiment, recalling how significant it was to accomplish their first win. “Winning the amulet was like winning the World Cup to us!”
Despite the emotional toll of their elimination—given their close bond—Amandine and Alison stressed their supportive relationship. “We know each other inside out. When one of us was struggling, the other was always there to uplift,” Alison remarked.
Amandine had hoped to make it to the finale and felt the pressure mounting as the competition progressed. She stated, “It’s challenging when you are separated because it’s tough to cope alone. We thrive when we are together.” Despite their exit, the twins were proud of their efforts and experiences, noting they had no regrets.
Overall, the emotional weight of leaving the competition marked the day for Amandine and Alison—both of whom described their adventure as life-changing. They plan to maintain strong ties with other participants, like their surrogate adventure mother, Patricia.
Reflecting on their time, they emphasized, “We’re proud to be called adventurous moms now.” With their spirits high, the twins plan to return to their normal lives, cherishing the moments they shared on the show.
Pékin Express continues to air on Thursdays, and this season has showcased some moments of high emotion and strategic gameplay. The next episode of the competition will reveal which contestants move forward on March 20, 2025.