Race Across the World brothers applied to defy age

Two brothers who competed in the TV series Race Across the World said they took on the challenge to show they could complete it at any age.

Melvyn and Brian Mole, who are both in their 60s, were one of five teams who raced more than 14,000km (8,700 miles) across China, Nepal and India to win £20,000.

Melvyn, who lives in Middlesbrough, said: “I saw the first series and I thought, ‘could I do that?’ And of course I could.”

After making the decision to apply he then needed to find a partner, but unfortunately Brian was not his first choice.

“The wife didn’t want to go on it, so I called Brian and asked him if he fancied it,” said Melvyn.

Brian said it took him a little while to make up his mind, but he was glad he did.

“I think Melvyn ran out of friends who would want to go on it with him. So in the end he contacted me and I said yes.

“The adventure then started there – and it truly was a fantastic adventure.”

Speaking to BBC Radio Tees, the pair said one of the difficulties they faced was explaining to people they could not use a mobile phone.

But Melvyn said skills they learned as children prepared them well for the journey.

“When we were kids we could read a compass, we could read a map and we would jump on trains and end up in the middle of the Peak District and get lost,” he said.

“And we’re still here.”

But they said one of the hardest parts of the journey was the “torture” the camera crew put them through.

“One of the most awkward feeling is you have to be with [the crew] when they’re eating,” Melvyn said.

“They’ll order from the restaurant to the table. They’ll get burgers, chips, they’ll go to McDonald’s – and you’re sitting with what you can afford.

“It is torture, especially if they’re having a beer.”