Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
BBC’s captivating adventure series, Race Across the World, has returned, presenting a new season with 10 contestants distributed among five teams journeying across Asia. Their goal? To secure a £20,000 cash reward. This year, siblings Elizabeth and Letitia, former spouses Yin and Gaz, brothers Brian and Melvyn, young partners Fin and Sioned, and a mother-son duo, Caroline and Tom, embark on the demanding 14,000km race. Their linguistic abilities and travel experiences are immediately put to the test, particularly in navigating the nuanced landscapes of China.
The Grueling Race Across Asia Begins
This year’s imposing challenge sets off at the Great Wall of China, requiring competitors to navigate through China, Nepal, and India to reach the final destination: Kanniyakumari, India’s southernmost tip. The BBC emphasized the demanding character of the contest: “Contestants will race across immense terrains minus smartphones or credit cards and equipped solely with a cash fund equivalent to flight fares. They will be pushed to their uttermost boundaries.” While some have already faced difficulties and emotional lows, viewers are optimistic about Elizabeth and Letitia’s prospects, as they exhibit remarkable confidence.
Sisters Confident About Their Edge
During the premiere episode, the sisters discussed their perceived “advantage” over other teams, noting their diverse travel backgrounds. They stated, “We converge, creating a strong alliance of seasoned travelers.”
Letitia noted that living in Italy for nine years may test their sibling bond; however, it became obvious that Elizabeth’s fluency in Mandarin would be extremely advantageous.
Mandarin Skills Prove Useful in the First Leg
This skill quickly proved invaluable as teams struggled to leave Beijing en route to the initial checkpoint. Fortunately, due to their linguistic skills, Elizabeth and Letitia were able to communicate effectively with locals and secure places on the appropriate train ahead of the other competitors.

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Viewers commended this ability and quickly turned to social media to predict their potential success. One user commented: “Elizabeth’s Mandarin fluency is a great asset in this competition.”
Fans Praise Elizabeth and Letitia’s Mandarin Skills
- One viewer complimented: “It’s revitalizing to witness Elizabeth utilizing her Mandarin proficiency. Indeed, this linguistic knack will be extremely beneficial in this race.”
- A third added: “Mandarin will present a difficult linguistic barrier for some participants. Fortunately, Elizabeth and Letitia have knowledge of Mandarin.”
Early Success for the Sisters
Another admirer stated: “Elizabeth and Letitia are destined to win the competition,” whilst another said: “Elizabeth and Letitia delivered a great performance in the first leg.”
Despite boarding the incorrect cable car initially, Elizabeth and Letitia emerged as victors of the first leg, arriving at the checkpoint first and signing the guest book.