Race Across The World's winners still in shock after defying the odds

Race Across the World winners Cathie Rowe and Tricia Sail say they still cannot believe they beat their rivals from the west coast of Canada to the east.

The childhood friends pushed husband and wife racers Mobeen and Zainib into second place, with father and daughter team Ladi and Monique coming third.

On last night’s finale of the BBC show, the pair of pals hugged and fell to their knees after opening the book to find they were the first to the last checkpoint at Cape Spear.

Cathie recalls: “I remember just shouting, ‘We won!’, at the top of my voice to no one. It had to be done.

“I was elated, mixed with a bit of disbelief. I think it was the best way to say thank you to all of the people in Canada who had helped us.”

Winners en route to victory (WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture Service (BBC Pictures) as set out at www.bbcpictures.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/. In particular, this image may only be published by a registered User of BBC Pictures for editorial use for the purpose of publicising the relevant BBC programme, personnel or activity during the Publicity Period which ends three review weeks following the date of transmission and provided the BBC and the copyright holder in the caption are credited. For any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising and commercial, prior written approval from the copyright holder will be required.)

Tricia laughs: “When we got there and opened the book, it was disbelief. After spending five-and-a-half hours on that first day stuck in Stanley Park, how we got to the finish first, I do not know.”

For the best friends, from Devon and South Wales respectively, the experience was life-changing.

Tricia, 49, has a condition that means she is gradually going blind.

Monique and Ladi (WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture Service (BBC Pictures) as set out at www.bbcpictures.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/. In particular, this image may only be published by a registered User of BBC Pictures for editorial use for the purpose of publicising the relevant BBC programme, personnel or activity during the Publicity Period which ends three review weeks following the date of transmission and provided the BBC and the copyright holder in the caption are credited. For any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising and commercial, prior written approval from the copyright holder will be required.)

She returned from filming a year ago and quit her job at a bank for a role with the RNIB.

Tricia went on the show with her diabetic husband Mattie’s blessing, despite his health fears. He has since had both legs amputated but Tricia says: “He jokes he can be totally legless now, without drinking.”

And the travel bug has clearly hit Cathie, 50, who has gone trekking through the rainforest in Thailand.

Duo Zainab and Mobeen (WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture Service (BBC Pictures) as set out at www.bbcpictures.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/. In particular, this image may only be published by a registered User of BBC Pictures for editorial use for the purpose of publicising the relevant BBC programme, personnel or activity during the Publicity Period which ends three review weeks following the date of transmission and provided the BBC and the copyright holder in the caption are credited. For any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising and commercial, prior written approval from the copyright holder will be required.)

She laughs: “I’ve got more interest in doing a bit more exploring and seeing a bit more, rather than just lying on the beach.”

Ahead of the final push to reach Canada's most easterly point, Cathie and Tricia seem confident with their chances of winning.

Company director Cathie said: "We feel like we’re in a really strong financial position. Our plan has been to make sure we have some money left for taxis if needs be for the final leg, we’ve managed to achieve that so I feel comfortable that we’ve got a thousand dollars left and that should get us where we need to go, quickly.

"I’m sad that it’s coming to an end! I’ve really, really enjoyed it."

"If we were to win the race it would cement everything, we’ve been through over the last seven weeks or so," added bank clerk Tricia.

"It will confirm that you can do this adventure with friends – you don’t have to be related or in a relationship, it will cement that it’s been worth it, it would also mean an amazing holiday for me and my husband, Matt."