BBC Race Across the World's Sioned breaks down over couple's crucial mistake that could cost them the competition

Wales Online

22-05-2025

BBC Race Across the World's Sioned breaks down over couple's crucial mistake that could cost them the competition
Carmarthenshire pair Fin and Sioned are well into the race against time on the BBC competition
The young woman from Carmarthenshire found the hustle and bustle of the country quite overwhelming.
(Image: BBC/Studio Lambert )
During the fifth episode of Race Across the World, a couple from Carmarthen made a mistake that could well have cost them the competition. Whilst trying to reach the fifth checkpoint of McLeod Ganj, the residence of the Dalai Lama, Sioned and Fin were headed in the wrong direction which has put them over 24 hours behind the leaders of the race.
After starting thie latest leg of the journey in third place, the couple left Varanasi in India and decided to avoid the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Sioned, however found the busy nature of the country overwhelming and broke down in tears whilst in the back of a tuk tuk.
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Rather than going through the capital Delhi, they decided to head the more scenic route of Lucknow instead. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter .
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However, this route left them falling significantly behind the other teams as miscommunication with a rikshaw driver, meant they were taken to the airport instead of the bus station. Whilst Fin attempted to communicate with the rickshaw driver, Sioned broke down in the back seat overwhelmed by the loud noises of the city.
Fin told the cameras: "That tuk-tuk driver cost us 24 hours in the race, I'm so frustrated about it."
As a result, mother and son, Caroline and Tom headed straight in to the lead as the first team to reach the checkpoint.
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Fin and Sioned, who were unaware how far they were lagging in the race decided to have their first homestay with a lady name Sunita and her family. They were then disappointed to hear that they were nearly 14 hours away from McLeod Ganj, and the next morning they arranged arranged to get to the bus station in Dehradun.
Whilst at the bus station, a man working there showed them a picture of brothers and fellow competitors, Brian and Melvyn who boarded a bus two days before. Fin then said: "Are you serious? How are they doing it?"
Overall, travelling through India was incredibly stressful for Sioned as they saw children in poverty approaching them, which they admitted they had never had a first hand experience of the problem. Fin later offered a child some biscuits as they had no money that they were able to offer.
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Despite struggling across India, the pair were brought closer together through supporting one another.
(Image: BBC/Studio Lambert )
After the episode aired on BBC last night, Wednesday, May 21, Sioned shared on Instagram how she was feeling about the whole ordeal.
She said: "Missed bus and possibly lost over 24hours? How far behind are we? On a positive note we ate good and had the loveliest stay with Sunita and her family, met such an inspiring community and got to learn so much.
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"It was difficult to get there with a whole load of tears and stress once again. It broke my heart to watch those kids again and unfortunately it was something we saw often and all I wanted to do was help and give."
Sioned continued: "I was having a very tough time and there's no shame in my own personal obstacles however minor the issues may seem to some, however at this point I did realise that there are people who have to deal with so much more difficult situations. This show is made to inspire and educate and I think tonight's episode did a great job at highlighting just that."
The couple stayed with Sunita and her family who fed them authentic Punjabi food.
(Image: BBC/Studio Lambert )
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The young woman from Carmarthenshire also went on to share that their host Sunita, even had a weird Welsh connection. The host had a collection of Roald Dahl books in her home and lived in a place called Landour.
Sioned explained: "Sunita lives in a place called Landour in India which was named after Llanddowror in Wales which is a place super close to home to me and Fin so this was a huge coincidence that we came across this connection."
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People have taken to social media to support Sioned, after a stressful time in India. One shared their own experience, saying : "I remember that overwhelm.from my own travels in India. You were so sweet, helping each other through it. Wishing you all the best for the rest of the race."
Another added: "So brave the both of you. Really enjoying watching your journey. Welsh and proud."