The Amazing Race is full of surprises at every stop — including the starting line.
In Us’ exclusive sneak peek of the Wednesday, September 30, season 39 premiere of CBS’ hit reality show, host Phil Keoghan and the Squamish Nation welcome the new cast to Vancouver.
“You’ve all made it very clear that you think you can win this Amazing Race. Except the numbers don’t really add up, do they?” Phil, 59, shares in the preview. “Because you know there’s only going to be one team winning this Amazing Race.”
From sisters and best friends to newlyweds and professional athletes, each team is full of potential. In a season 39 twist, however, they also all have an advantage.
“Have a look inside your travel packs. Open them up,” Phil shares. “For the first time in Amazing Race history, there’s going to be 13 express passes in play at one time. It’s up to you when to use it.”
Much of the cast is visibly shocked by the twist, including mother-daughter duo Ann-Marie Tejcek and Riley Tejcek.
“That just took this game to a whole other level,” Riley, 29, explains in a confessional. “This is a different season of Amazing Race than we’ve seen because everyone has that secret weapon.”
So how does it work? Phil breaks it down for the contestants before the race officially begins.
Phil Keoghan Sara Kempner/CBS
“In any challenge, at a detour or roadblock, you can skip that challenge and carry on racing. You can use this express pass up until the end of the sixth leg,” he shares. “Only one express pass will be in play on any given challenge, meaning if anyone plays the express pass on a particular challenge, you can’t use yours.”
Phil adds, “You also do not want to be eliminated with an express pass in your possession.”
As some players try to grasp what just happened, pro athletes Ali Krieger and Joanna Lohman are already brainstorming what to do next.
Former Team USA soccer star Ali Krieger gushed about her girlfriend Jen Beattie’s heritage amid ongoing tension with Krieger’s ex, Ashlyn Harris. Krieger, 41, shared a video of rowdy Scottish soccer fans at a recent Boston Red Sox game via her Instagram Story on Monday, June 15, writing: “Just a brilliant group of people. ❤️ […]
“Immediately, my brain goes to strategy,” Joanna, 44, shares. “How are you going to play it? When are you going to play it? You don’t want to burn that express pass, but maybe you’ll have to. It’s like life support for a team that’s maybe in last place.”
Everything will be revealed as soon as Phil repeats the magic words: “Good luck, travel safe, go!”
The Amazing Race season 39 premieres on CBS Wednesday, September 30, and Thursday, October 1, at 9:30 p.m. ET. Plus, mark your calendars for The Amazing Race: 25 Years Around the World, an Entertainment Tonight special, airing on CBS Tuesday, September 29, at 8 p.m. ET.
