Pechino Express 2026: First Leg Sees Teams Navigate Bali and Java

Bali, Indonesia – The 13th edition of Pechino Express kicked off with a vibrant first leg, taking ten adventurous teams from the spiritual heart of Bali to the landscapes of Java. Hosted by Costantino della Gherardesca and Lillo, the competition immediately immersed contestants in Indonesian culture, testing their physical endurance and strategic thinking. The initial stage, spanning 221 kilometers, blended cultural experiences with demanding challenges, setting the stage for a grueling journey across Asia.

Early Challenges and Alliances

The journey began in Ubud, Bali, known as the island’s cultural and spiritual center. Teams quickly found themselves navigating rice terraces and engaging with local traditions. The initial segment saw teams departing Bali by ferry, heading towards Java. “The Ex” team initially expressed a desire to face the weaker competitors, singling out “Le Biondine” and “Le Dj” as potential duel opponents. Notably, “The Ex” were slated to participate in charitable activities benefiting local communities while the competition unfolded.

Della Gherardesca playfully suggested “I Raccomandati” were early favorites, a comment that prompted a reaction from Filippo Laurino of that team. Laurino expressed concern that the endorsement might backfire, predicting an eighth-place finish. Chanel Totti playfully chided him, questioning his fluctuating ambitions. “Gli Spassusi” acknowledged their consistent performance, finishing eighth in both the initial challenges, embracing their position with humor.

Penalties and Personal Moments

A strategic decision by “I Raccomandati” led to “Le Biondine” receiving a penalty – cleaning the pontile – a move Laurino justified as a way to strengthen their relationship. This sparked a tense exchange with Gaia De Laurentiis, who questioned Laurino’s age, leading to an emotional outburst. De Laurentiis, alongside Agnese Catalani, admitted to feeling overwhelmed, expressing a desire for solitude during a conversation with Della Gherardesca. “Sometimes I’d like to be alone for five minutes,” she confessed.

Navigating Java and Cultural Immersion

Chanel Totti and Filippo Laurino gained an early advantage, securing a ride on a secondary road and being the first to hitch a ride, though they were soon joined by “I Creator” in the same vehicle. En route, they encountered “Le Albiceleste” and “I Rapper,” where a heated exchange occurred between Candelaria Solorzano and Tony 2Milli, with Solorzano using a vulgar phrase that prompted a dismissive response from 2Milli.

Further adding to the drama, “Le Dj” and “Gli Spassusi” shared a ride, with a humorous misidentification of Francesco Paolantoni by Jo Squillo. “I Comedian” likewise shared a lighthearted moment, joking about needing a “black” challenge – referencing chasing a chicken.

A key challenge involved learning Legong, a traditional Balinese dance form known for its intricate movements and expressive gestures. “Gli Spassusi,” despite claiming prior dance experience, were quickly eliminated from the challenge, while “Le Albiceleste” successfully navigated the complexities of the dance, and advanced.

Team Dynamics and Unexpected Hospitality

Disagreements arose between “I Rapper” and “I Commedian” over securing transportation, with Tay Vines attempting to mislead their rivals with a false claim of a bribe. “Le Biondine” ultimately completed the dance challenge, relying on a chaotic approach. Agnese Catalani broke down in tears, attributing her distress to exhaustion rather than the dance itself, finding solace in Gaia De Laurentiis’s support.

Della Gherardesca explained the process behind Kopi Luwak, a highly sought-after coffee made from beans that have passed through the digestive system of the Asian palm civet. He then instructed the teams to find overnight accommodations. “I Rapper” found shelter in a chapel, while “I Commedian” discovered a basketball court where they joined a local game. Tay Vines joked about rediscovering their basketball skills, while the team ultimately found hospitality with a local resident. Chanel and Filippo secured a fan, while “Gli Ex” prepared for the next day’s challenge. “I Commedian” entertained with an impromptu karaoke session, and “I Rapper” enjoyed a game of billiards. Joe Squillo displayed a towel with his image, prompting further playful banter.

First Leg Standings

1. Albiceleste
2. I Rapper, I Raccomandati and I Creator (tied)
3. Le Dj
4. I Veloci and Gli Spassusi (tied)
5. Le Biondine and I Commedian (tied)

Pechino Express continues to deliver a compelling blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and interpersonal dynamics. The first leg has established a competitive landscape, with teams already forming alliances and facing unexpected challenges. The journey now moves onward to Java, promising further tests of endurance and strategy.

The competition, which will span 5,450 kilometers, will eventually grab the teams through China and Japan, culminating in a final showdown in Kyoto. The next leg will observe the teams departing from the port of Ketapang, traversing the Indonesian countryside towards Lumajang, and ultimately aiming for the Tumpak Sewu waterfalls – a 238-kilometer stretch of intense competition.

Fans can expect more drama, cultural encounters, and strategic maneuvering as the teams navigate the complexities of the “Extreme Orient.”