“We’re putting Richmond on the map!” said Jaspal Sidhu, who is racing to the top with his best friend in the upcoming season of The Amazing Race Canada.
Sidhu, 27, met Derek Gerard, 28, more than a decade ago in eighth grade at Steveston-London secondary.
The two became fast friends thanks to being the only Indian kids in their grade and sharing the same humour.
Their secret to long-lasting friendship? Having each other’s backs through thick and thin.
“We’ve always had each other’s backs throughout our entire lives. And maybe that’s why we just kind of stuck with each other, because it’s hard to find that kind of relationship with people,” said Sidhu.
“We know too much (about each other),” Gerard added, “There’s no leaving this friendship. If you leave this friendship, someone’s getting screwed up.”
Now a comedic duo on YouTube, Sidhu and Gerard have amassed more than two million followers by getting into shenanigans such as only eating Taco Bell for 24 hours without going to the bathroom and competing to see who can avoid getting a stain on his white outfit.
Applying for the Amazing Race Canada was a natural next step for Sidhu and Gerard, who wanted to prove themselves to the world.
“We’ve always talked about being the best duo on the internet, so we’re like, ‘Let’s make it official and make it the best duo on TV,’” Sidhu explained.
“And we’ve done a lot of cool stuff together in our lives, so this was just another step to adding on to that.”
Not to mention the enticing prize package waiting at the finish line.
“We wanted $250,000. That’s why we applied for the show, and we’re not afraid to say that,” Gerard added.
Representing Richmond
As the duo awaits their TV debut, they want to make one thing clear.
“We want to do it for Richmond,” said Gerard.
“Everyone represents Vancouver. Everyone is always (saying), ‘Oh, I’m from Vancouver,’ when they’re actually from Surrey or whatever. No, we’re from Richmond.”
The Richmond locals’ favourite haunts in the city are the Minoru Centre for Active Living and Steveston, where they’ve spent much of their childhood.
For those unfamiliar with the Metro Vancouver city, Sidhu and Gerard’s elevator pitch includes promises of delicious food, close proximity to downtown Vancouver and “good vibes.”
“And the views! You get the water, the sunsets… It’s beautiful,” said Sidhu. Gerard also suggests heading to Larry Berg Park for plane watching.
“What’s not to like?” said Gerard.
Catch Sidhu and Gerard on season nine of The Amazing Race Canada on CTV starting July 4.
“You can look forward to fierce competition, cutthroat strategy and probably two of the biggest idiots you will ever see on any reality TV show,” said Gerard.
