The race is now over and the winners are Gino and Jesse Montani. Going in these brothers from Hamilton were favourites to win, won the most legs. But for the first time in TAR Canada history, the favourites won the race. But it wasn't easy. They did win the most legs but they were second last three times. As noted in this interview, the boys were very strategic in the race, super strategic, even in their conversations with teams and during interviews. But it was nice to do this interview because you could hear the excitement in their voices, hear them let down a bit of the Amazing Race Canada strategy and be themselves. Gord and Wayne are pleased with Gino and Jesse's win. We admit they weren't our favourite team, we liked them but they weren't out #1 choices, but they knew how to play the game and you have to respect that.
Gord and Wayne would also like to thank all the teams who talked to us and were very open to our questions and honest in their answers. This part of the blog is a great joy to do because of that. Also, super duper thanks to CTV/Bell Media who gave us this opportunity. We really, really appreciate that here at Gord and Wayne HQ. Please note that this interview has been edited and there will be typos in transcriptions.
G & W - First question is where are you taking your mom?
Jesse - We left it up to her to decide and she wants to go Italy so that's where we're going?
G & W - Back to the homeland?
Jesse - Back to the homeland, never been.
G & W - Did she know you guys won?
Gino - We didn't tell her a word. What you saw on the After Show, that was real. We actually didn't know she was coming on the After show so when we saw her for the first time, we got emotional and choked up, it was crazy.
G & W - Was it hard to keep a secret from your mom?
Jesse - That was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do in my life. It's your mom and this is a big thing in your life and you want to share it with her. But at the same time it was worth to not, just to see her expression on her face, that was worth the wait.
G & W - You've been on the race for a month or so, doing all these tasks, going all over the world and then you're running towards the finish and there is no other team on the mat so you know you've won, what's the feeling like when that's happening.
Gino - Honestly, it's overwhelming. (Stammers a bit to find the right words). You're like, "we did it, we did it I couldn't believe it...
Jesse - We just did the entire race..We came in to do one thing and that's to win the Amazing Race Canada and this is the moment, we're running and going to be crowned kings.
G & W - Did you want to take your time and let it sink in or did you want to get there fast in case Nick and Matt were right behind you?
Jesse - We wanted to take it in and we wanted to get to the mat as quick as possible because you know we probably would have rolled out ankles if we took our time. (Laughs)
G & W - How strong was the rivalry between you guys and Nick and Matt? Did it start early or did it come later?
Gino - As the show progressed, the rivalry started to grow. It's tough when it's 12 teams but when it's 6 teams, you start to get to know teams and how they run the race. And we found that they were always at the top of the pack and so were we. And they ran their race, we were kind of similar. So yeah, a rivalry started to grow and it went right to the end.
G & W - It was a friendly rivalry too, you wanted to beat them but you don't hate them?
Both - No, no.
Jesse - They were good guys. We understand, we're athletes, they're athletes we appreciate good competition and that's exactly what that was.
Gino - Absolutely, there was nothing personal at all. But at the same time, there are two hungry teams wanting that cash prize and the title of Winners of Amazing Race Canada so you're bound to bump heads once and awhile, and blood starts boiling, that's just the reality of the race.
G & W - How did you guys kept your relationship strong, in real life and on the race?
Gino - You know what, it's not like Jesse and I don't argue, we do. For two guys, we are very strong minded, both alpha males, sometimes you just disagree on things, it just happens. But you don't want to let it build up, say what you got to say, get it on the table, move on from it, it's over. Sometimes we can't agree so we agree to disagree, it's not life or death, nothing can come between our bond.
G & W - And then you hug it out?
Gino - It's important to show affection and that's how we were raised. We're a very affectionate family, just because doesn't change anything, we love each other.
G & W - You guys weren't as consistent as the Wrestlers in the race, you won some legs but you came in second last a couple of times, did that make the race harder or spur you on to do better?
Jesse - I feel like, for instance for the Chile leg, how we came second last, we needed that. We always knew what we had, we knew what we could bring to the table but we needed that to learn from. To get us further in this race, we needed that to learn about cab mistakes, and language barriers and it was a reality check. So those bad legs helped us become a better team. Great teams when they have things that come up, it's the perseverance, good teams can battle back, that's the testament to a great team.
Gino - Yeah, we had strategies and we had our strategy was to take that extra second and approach tasks once and do it right the first time. If you watched our challenges you'll see that we made a logical plan, we didn't just go in reckless and throw poles around. We tried to take a logical approach at each task.
Jesse - Individually and as a team.
Gino - Absolutely. And when you lose at stuff, you make an adjustment to your game. And we did badly, we made those adjustments.
G & W - Many teams we've talked to this season and last, that's the change they said they would make, to take more time looking at tasks, etc. instead of rushing in.
Jesse - If you look at the entire season, and I'm not trying to be cocky or anything, but on every single roadblock, on every single challenge, we actually did good on almost every single one of them. Our challenge was getting to the roadblock, whether it was a taxi or not, a lot of things was out of our control.
And luck and stuff like that. But it's the same for everybody, everyone's running the same race.
Gord and Wayne would also like to thank all the teams who talked to us and were very open to our questions and honest in their answers. This part of the blog is a great joy to do because of that. Also, super duper thanks to CTV/Bell Media who gave us this opportunity. We really, really appreciate that here at Gord and Wayne HQ. Please note that this interview has been edited and there will be typos in transcriptions.
G & W - First question is where are you taking your mom?
Jesse - We left it up to her to decide and she wants to go Italy so that's where we're going?
G & W - Back to the homeland?
Jesse - Back to the homeland, never been.
G & W - Did she know you guys won?
Gino - We didn't tell her a word. What you saw on the After Show, that was real. We actually didn't know she was coming on the After show so when we saw her for the first time, we got emotional and choked up, it was crazy.
G & W - Was it hard to keep a secret from your mom?
Jesse - That was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do in my life. It's your mom and this is a big thing in your life and you want to share it with her. But at the same time it was worth to not, just to see her expression on her face, that was worth the wait.
G & W - You've been on the race for a month or so, doing all these tasks, going all over the world and then you're running towards the finish and there is no other team on the mat so you know you've won, what's the feeling like when that's happening.
Gino - Honestly, it's overwhelming. (Stammers a bit to find the right words). You're like, "we did it, we did it I couldn't believe it...
Jesse - We just did the entire race..We came in to do one thing and that's to win the Amazing Race Canada and this is the moment, we're running and going to be crowned kings.
G & W - Did you want to take your time and let it sink in or did you want to get there fast in case Nick and Matt were right behind you?
Jesse - We wanted to take it in and we wanted to get to the mat as quick as possible because you know we probably would have rolled out ankles if we took our time. (Laughs)
G & W - How strong was the rivalry between you guys and Nick and Matt? Did it start early or did it come later?
Gino - As the show progressed, the rivalry started to grow. It's tough when it's 12 teams but when it's 6 teams, you start to get to know teams and how they run the race. And we found that they were always at the top of the pack and so were we. And they ran their race, we were kind of similar. So yeah, a rivalry started to grow and it went right to the end.
G & W - It was a friendly rivalry too, you wanted to beat them but you don't hate them?
Both - No, no.
Jesse - They were good guys. We understand, we're athletes, they're athletes we appreciate good competition and that's exactly what that was.
Gino - Absolutely, there was nothing personal at all. But at the same time, there are two hungry teams wanting that cash prize and the title of Winners of Amazing Race Canada so you're bound to bump heads once and awhile, and blood starts boiling, that's just the reality of the race.
G & W - How did you guys kept your relationship strong, in real life and on the race?
Gino - You know what, it's not like Jesse and I don't argue, we do. For two guys, we are very strong minded, both alpha males, sometimes you just disagree on things, it just happens. But you don't want to let it build up, say what you got to say, get it on the table, move on from it, it's over. Sometimes we can't agree so we agree to disagree, it's not life or death, nothing can come between our bond.
G & W - And then you hug it out?
Gino - It's important to show affection and that's how we were raised. We're a very affectionate family, just because doesn't change anything, we love each other.
G & W - You guys weren't as consistent as the Wrestlers in the race, you won some legs but you came in second last a couple of times, did that make the race harder or spur you on to do better?
Jesse - I feel like, for instance for the Chile leg, how we came second last, we needed that. We always knew what we had, we knew what we could bring to the table but we needed that to learn from. To get us further in this race, we needed that to learn about cab mistakes, and language barriers and it was a reality check. So those bad legs helped us become a better team. Great teams when they have things that come up, it's the perseverance, good teams can battle back, that's the testament to a great team.
Gino - Yeah, we had strategies and we had our strategy was to take that extra second and approach tasks once and do it right the first time. If you watched our challenges you'll see that we made a logical plan, we didn't just go in reckless and throw poles around. We tried to take a logical approach at each task.
Jesse - Individually and as a team.
Gino - Absolutely. And when you lose at stuff, you make an adjustment to your game. And we did badly, we made those adjustments.
G & W - Many teams we've talked to this season and last, that's the change they said they would make, to take more time looking at tasks, etc. instead of rushing in.
Jesse - If you look at the entire season, and I'm not trying to be cocky or anything, but on every single roadblock, on every single challenge, we actually did good on almost every single one of them. Our challenge was getting to the roadblock, whether it was a taxi or not, a lot of things was out of our control.
And luck and stuff like that. But it's the same for everybody, everyone's running the same race.
G & W - Did you make any great bonds with other teams?
Jesse- Absolutely. We're close to all the teams but the ones that stand out for us are Brent and Sean, they are great guys, they give 110 percent on everything they do. You know they have the biggest hearts, they are the nicest people. Also, we are really close with Neil and Kristin, too.
Gino - Even Elias and Max, even though they were out the first leg, they are great people and we told Elias we are going to support him and go see him at his next fight.
Jesse - I can keep talking about other teams. Brian and Cynthia, not a lot of teams got along with Brian and Cynthia but we were one of the teams that got along great with them. We just love everyone on the race.
G & W - It's exciting, all the stuff isn't it? Doing the race, winning, doing all the media, but what happens afterwards. Does it feel weird to go back to your regular life?
Gino - We haven't got there yet. The race is done and today is the last day.
G & W - So are you keen on going home and living your regular life or will you make some changes?
Jesse - I'm going to wake up everyday with a big smile. Just a huge smile about our accomplishment. (Both laugh)
Gino - I'll be honest with you, we had a rough year, we lost our father, it was tough year for our family. And to get an opportunity like this is totally life changing. And we're so thankful to production and everybody that's been involved in the race, all the teams. We couldn't be happier with everything. Some teams may not have the greatest experience running the race but us, we're very proud and very happy to be here.
G & W - Has your relationship change because of the race.
Gino - We've always been close but I definitely see Jesse in a different light. I always wanted to set a good example for him, be a good role model being the older brother. And you know what, I think he's turned into a great guy, he's a great man. I saw a lot of things in the race I didn't see before and I'm just proud of him.
Jesse - Thanks man. I'm so proud of Gino. One of the proudest moments on the race was seeing G go across that plank on BC Place. I knew the pressure he was dealing with and he's not a big fan of heights. I knew how dialled he would be and... I don't know, it was just a proud moment for me to see my brother to do that.
G & W - Was there a moment in the last leg when thought maybe Nick and Matt would win the race.
Gino - When we did the map challenge and we saw had the lead. And then came and it caught us off guard. They passed us and we were like "holy geez." But that's what separates teams that want it and teams that don't want it. We wanted it so bad, we dug deep, changed our game plan and caught up in two seconds. We got right back in there.
G & W - After the race, after you win, and all the teams are there, Jon does his thing and then the cameras go off, what happens: is there a big party or does everyone go home to sleep?
Gino - We all have a good night out together. It's one of those time when everyone gets back together and everyone gets to experience everyone in real life, not race form.
Jesse - Cause when you're running the race, you talk but you get so caught up in the race. Well not everyone but for us everything was strategy, we analyzed everything, we analyzed even our conversation, every move we made was strategy and we didn't want to waste this opportunity, we wanted it so bad. I can't express that enough.
G & W - Were you expected to pick up the tab?
(Both laugh)
Gino - You know, cash and prizes aside, for us and I swear by this, it was winning the Amazing Race Canada title that meant so much more. 100 percent.
Jesse- Absolutely. We're close to all the teams but the ones that stand out for us are Brent and Sean, they are great guys, they give 110 percent on everything they do. You know they have the biggest hearts, they are the nicest people. Also, we are really close with Neil and Kristin, too.
Gino - Even Elias and Max, even though they were out the first leg, they are great people and we told Elias we are going to support him and go see him at his next fight.
Jesse - I can keep talking about other teams. Brian and Cynthia, not a lot of teams got along with Brian and Cynthia but we were one of the teams that got along great with them. We just love everyone on the race.
G & W - It's exciting, all the stuff isn't it? Doing the race, winning, doing all the media, but what happens afterwards. Does it feel weird to go back to your regular life?
Gino - We haven't got there yet. The race is done and today is the last day.
G & W - So are you keen on going home and living your regular life or will you make some changes?
Jesse - I'm going to wake up everyday with a big smile. Just a huge smile about our accomplishment. (Both laugh)
Gino - I'll be honest with you, we had a rough year, we lost our father, it was tough year for our family. And to get an opportunity like this is totally life changing. And we're so thankful to production and everybody that's been involved in the race, all the teams. We couldn't be happier with everything. Some teams may not have the greatest experience running the race but us, we're very proud and very happy to be here.
G & W - Has your relationship change because of the race.
Gino - We've always been close but I definitely see Jesse in a different light. I always wanted to set a good example for him, be a good role model being the older brother. And you know what, I think he's turned into a great guy, he's a great man. I saw a lot of things in the race I didn't see before and I'm just proud of him.
Jesse - Thanks man. I'm so proud of Gino. One of the proudest moments on the race was seeing G go across that plank on BC Place. I knew the pressure he was dealing with and he's not a big fan of heights. I knew how dialled he would be and... I don't know, it was just a proud moment for me to see my brother to do that.
G & W - Was there a moment in the last leg when thought maybe Nick and Matt would win the race.
Gino - When we did the map challenge and we saw had the lead. And then came and it caught us off guard. They passed us and we were like "holy geez." But that's what separates teams that want it and teams that don't want it. We wanted it so bad, we dug deep, changed our game plan and caught up in two seconds. We got right back in there.
G & W - After the race, after you win, and all the teams are there, Jon does his thing and then the cameras go off, what happens: is there a big party or does everyone go home to sleep?
Gino - We all have a good night out together. It's one of those time when everyone gets back together and everyone gets to experience everyone in real life, not race form.
Jesse - Cause when you're running the race, you talk but you get so caught up in the race. Well not everyone but for us everything was strategy, we analyzed everything, we analyzed even our conversation, every move we made was strategy and we didn't want to waste this opportunity, we wanted it so bad. I can't express that enough.
G & W - Were you expected to pick up the tab?
(Both laugh)
Gino - You know, cash and prizes aside, for us and I swear by this, it was winning the Amazing Race Canada title that meant so much more. 100 percent.