We’re halfway through the final, and TJ unleashed a (fairly expected) twist. Competitors can stake a claim on anyone’s partner.
This is a great opportunity for some of the competitors, especially because it seems like a chance to escape working with a partner of the “opposite stripe” (as implied by Theo’s confessional wondering if he should work with Olivia). But, we can also assume that we won’t get male/male or female/female teams.
So, which Challengers should take the stake-claiming risk? For some, this is the Hail Mary they need, but for others, this could mean they won’t be taking home the grand prize.
Michaela & Cedric
Michaela: Don’t do it. At this point in the competition, it seems like Michaela’s ankle will be her biggest hurdle. She’s struggling, but finished day one in second place with Cedric, which is pretty good. She’s unlikely to find a better partner than him, because he is understanding enough to move at her pace, but capable enough to get through all of the checkpoints.
Cedric: Maybe stake a claim. After day one, Cedric is in a pretty good spot. Despite Michaela’s ankle, he has a partner who is capable of doing most things you’d find at a checkpoint. There’s no denying that Michaela isn’t performing at 100% — even she wonders if she’s holding Cedric back — so he could try to get a speedier partner. But, there’s no guarantee that he will communicate well with that person, and communication is one of Michaela & Cedric’s biggest assets.
Olivia & Yeremi
Olivia: Don’t do it. While Yeremi might be faster than her, Olivia is doing fairly well with her partner. Even though they’re only in third place at the end of day one, it’s unlikely to be a major issue going into the second day of the final (based on other overnight finals). But the biggest reason Olivia shouldn’t stake a claim: Who’s better than Yeremi? It seems she already has the most desirable partner.
Yeremi: Stake a claim. Olivia has been doing pretty well in this final, but it’s clear she’s the anchor on the team. Yeremi could move faster with Sydney, and they would be the clear pacesetters. It’s not like Yeremi has a lot of history with Olivia, so he’d be better off trying to run the final with the first-place female.
Theo & Adrienne
Theo: Don’t do it. In his confessional, Theo toyed with the idea of running the final with Olivia. While he’s correct, it would be an epic win if they came in first place together, they’re also currently sitting in last place and second-to-last place. There’s a good chance they would end the race in fourth, taking home $0, and he’s unlikely to get a partner as tolerant of his struggles as Adrienne.
Adrienne: Stake a claim. Adrienne ended day one in fourth place, and objectively, it seems Theo had the worst day one performance. She should take any opportunity to try to complete the final with someone else. Not just to try to secure the win; if she wants to take home any money, the odds currently aren’t in her favor.
Turbo & Michaela
Turbo: Don’t do it. Turbo is sitting in first place with a partner who’s willing to complete checkpoints while he rests his legs. Sydney is blowing him out of the water, but if he’s after the win and the first-place prize, he should stick with the girl who is making the final look easy.
Sydney: Stake a claim. When Sydney was first paired with Turbo, she got the best possible partner at the time. Now, there are better options, and the twist could be the break Sydney has been waiting for all season: The chance to be partnered with a new threat. If she was paired with Yeremi, this would be their final to lose. Even Cedric would be an upgrade from Turbo at this point, because it’s pretty clear his legs aren’t going to keep up with Sydney’s pace.
Stop Being Polite 