Host Jon Montogmery Picks His Top Three Favourite Moments in The History of THE AMAZING RACE CANADA

By BILL HARRIS Special to The Lede So many mats, so much mayhem. But now it’s time for Jon Montgomery to sift through all those memories. With THE AMAZING RACE CANADA embarking upon its epic 10th season, beginning Tuesday, July 2 at 9 p.m. ET on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app, Montgomery – the only host the series has ever known – was given a personal challenge: What are his top three moments in the history of THE AMAZING RACE CANADA? Montgomery thought about it for a while, and then provided these answers, listing his three favourite moments in reverse order: #3 – Season 1, Episode 1, 2013. Montgomery went back to the very beginning of the series for his #3 choice, pointing to an unforgettably dramatic sprint to the mat, and an unexpected curveball that changed everything. “My very first mat in Kelowna, B.C., on the inaugural season of THE AMAZING RACE CANADA, had the closest race-to-the-finish-for-elimination we’ve ever had,” Montgomery recalled. “Best friends Jamie and Pierre from Airdrie and Innisfail, Alberta squeaked through by the slimmest of margins.” Jamie and Pierre were actually the last team to arrive, having been beaten in a literal foot race to the finish by twin sisters Treena and Tennille, from Hamilton, Ont. But then Montgomery had to deliver some devastating news: due to a violation earlier in the leg (failing to grab both clues at the Butterfly Conservatory), Treena and Tennille had been assessed a 30-minute penalty. It was very emotional as the four racers – who had become fast friends – embraced, with Treena and Tennille heartbroken, and Jamie and Pierre both relieved and conflicted about the way they had survived. “It was epic,” Montgomery said. #2 – Season 6, Episode 1, 2018. For his #2 moment, Montgomery selected an example of perseverance that he said he came to appreciate not only as the host of THE AMAZING RACE CANADA, but also as someone who can watch the show and find new ways to relate to it as a viewer. “I remember watching Season 6 on TV and being inspired by Martina Seo as she climbed the tall timber in Squamish, B.C.,” Montgomery said. “That was a standout moment, as a fan of the show.” The love that British Columbia siblings Martina and Phil Seo had for each other was on full display as Martina – who admitted that she found physical challenges “intimidating” – had to go up an 80-foot wooden pole to retrieve a clue. She had to stop several times because she was so terrified and exhausted, gasping at one point, “I’m so scared … I don’t know if I can finish this challenge.” But with Phil bellowing encouragement from below, Martina somehow steeled herself. She whispered, “stand up, Martina … please, Martina … do it for Phil.” And she did, bursting into tears as her hand grasped the envelope. “I can’t believe I did it,” said Martina, collapsing as she hit solid ground again. “I am so proud of my sister,” Phil said. “She didn’t give up. That’s an inspiration to so many people.” #1 –  Wait for it! It wouldn’t be THE AMAZING RACE CANADA if there weren’t a twist involved, and Montgomery has provided one. “My all-time favourite memory is actually on the upcoming season,” Montgomery said. “So everyone will have to tune into Season 10 to find out my top moment in 10 seasons of hosting THE AMAZING RACE CANADA.” Will devoted fans of the show be able to pick it out when they see it? billharristv@gmail.com @billharris_tv