Ages: Stephen is 61, Viv is 65
From: Rutland
Relationship: Couple
Jobs: Both retired
Why Race Across The World?
Stephen: "Just the sense of adventure and the fun, just the opportunity. We'd watched the series on TV, and we just thought we wanted to have a go."
Do you have a strategy?
Viv: "No, we've talked about it, but I don't think we have. I think we'll just do our best."
Stephen: "Yes, I think we've just got to do what we can, as fast as we can, as cheap as we can. We've talked about it and we can't make any plans till we know how we're going to get going or anything else. I think there are strengths that we bring and there are weaknesses that we have so add that all together and it becomes a strategy I suppose."
Viv: "One strategy we could do is that whoever of the other couples look like they know where they're going or what they're doing, we'll run after them!"
What creature comfort have you brought with you?
Viv: "I have this tiny little makeup bag. Funnily enough I didn't weigh my makeup because for me that's an essential."
Stephen: "We think we've been quite sensible with what we've packed, both bags come out at just over 12kg. I haven't brought anything frivolous. I hope not, if so we should have spotted it. We also didn't bring anything sentimental, so we don't get too emotionally involved. We're going to be strong about it as it reminds you more of what you're missing."
What will your biggest challenges be on the race?
Viv: "I think being tired, being hungry, not knowing where we're going to sleep that night, it's just the unknown."
Stephen: "I think tiredness and food and drink."
Race Across The World continues Wednesdays at 9pm on BBC One.
Neil Wilkes
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