by Gina Scarpa

 

On the season premiere of The Amazing Race, 11 teams started in Gloucester, MA but only 10 teams moved on past the leg that ended in London, England. Along the first leg, they visited Stonehenge, climbed a tower, road tiny boats, and catapulted watermelons at a knight. Unfortunately for best friends Ron and Tony, the confusing roads of London became too much of a hindrance for them and they were the last team to arrive at the pit stop. Today, the first team eliminated from The Amazing Race spoke to us in an exclusive interview about their experiences on the show.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How did the two of you end up being part of The Amazing Race this season?
A. Tony: Yes, since the very first season. Finally, our schedules both cleared and were able to do it. We sent it our tapes and here we are.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What preparation did you do before heading into the race?
A. Ron: Our preparation was very different. Tony was prepping on the shopping side, picking out backpacks and shoes. I was at the gym trying to get into shape for whatever physical challenges might come our way.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Did you have a chance during that first leg to talk to the other teams and get a feel for them? Was there anyone who stood out to you for either good or bad reasons?
A. Tony: Because we were off so quickly, we only had that brief encounter in the airport with Thomas and Jill and Stephanie and Chad. We instantly liked them but sadly, we didn't get much interaction with the other teams.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What was the toughest part about trying to navigate your way around London?
A. Ron: I was driving, it was the opposite of how we drive here, and it was also rush hour. We missed a turn. I was in the right hand lane and our exit came up. They don't give you indicator markers like they do here in the U.S. We got off the wrong freeway that had no exits for 25 miles. We knew we were going the wrong way but there was nothing we could do.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Despite going from first to last, you both remained calm throughout the leg. Was that a conscious decision the two of you made going in - that you wouldn't let stress get the best of you?
A. Tony: Absolutely! We both decided before we went. We were like, "Okay if we're going to do this, our friendship is the most important thing." We both know each other so well and we've been friends for so long, we know when the other is having a moment and we need to back off. We're not going to do anything to embarrass ourselves, our families, or our friends. We weren't there to be on tv or for fame. We were there for the pure sense of adventure.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Did you know that you were the last team before you arrived at the pit stop?
A. Ron: We knew only when we pulled into the parking lot of the castle and counted the cars. It was the most heartwrenching moment because we had driven 8 hours that day and we had been going 28 hours with maybe an hour of sleep. It was such a crushing blow.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Despite only being there for one leg of the race, are you satisfied with the experience? Would you do another reality show?
A. Ron: Oh, I'm completely satisfied. The outcome wasn't what we expected. It was actually a shocking reality. We filled a bucket list wish, though. We still felt it was a great opportunity that we were cast on the show and got to have that experience with each other. I don't know if I'd do another reality show because there's nothing like this where you get to race around the world. There's nothing out there that makes me say, "Oh I'd love to do that publicly."

A. Tony: I'm the same way. The Amazing Race is unique in the reality show world. It's almost not fair to call it a reality show because it's a completely different genre. Survivor - absolutely not. Do I want to be marooned on a deserted island? No. Do I want to eat bugs to live? No thank you!

 

 

The Amazing Race airs Sundays at 8/7c on CBS.

 

(Image courtesy of CBS)

 

Follow Gina at twitter.com/ginascarpa

 

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