Ricky and Cesar's Journey on The Amazing Race: From Underdogs to Champions
Join Ricky Rotandi as he shares how he and Cesar Aldrete initially saw themselves as underdogs on The Amazing Race before rising to become the dominant force in the competition. Discover the inspiring story of their triumph against all odds.
Ricky Rotandi and Cesar Aldrete, the champions of The Amazing Race season 36, were pleasantly surprised by their performance on the reality competition series. They admitted to feeling like underdogs despite putting in the work.
"We knew we put the work [in]. But we also kind of felt we were going in like, ‘Oh, gosh, I think we might be the underdogs,’" Ricky exclusively told We on Thursday, May 16, one day after he and Cesar won the $1 million grand prize during the season finale.
"We encountered military personnel, federal agents, police officers, and dedicated fans," he said. "There were some really strong competitors. We were confident in our abilities, but we didn't expect to excel this much."
Cesar and Ricky consistently placed in the top three throughout the competition. They showed a good understanding of every challenge, whether it was welding, singing, or navigating an obstacle course in a mascot costume.
The Amazing Race Ricky and Cesar Thought They Might Be the Underdogs
Ricky Rotandi and Cesar Aldrete Yuri Hasegawa/CBS
Ricky shared that he and his sisters often joke about having the ‘how hard could it be’ gene. They possess the ability to tackle tasks, figure them out, and excel at them. He mentioned that trying out various "little things" over the years has given him and Cesar an advantage.
He further explained that they have a wide range of interests as individuals. They are comfortable stepping out of their comfort zones and have engaged in activities such as archery, escape rooms, canoeing, and kayaking. In addition to these adventurous pursuits, they also enjoy theater, traveling, and dining at fancy restaurants. Their interests span across a diverse spectrum of activities.
Cesar added that the pair “try to avoid the routine” in their daily lives.
The Amazing Race Ricky and Cesar Thought They Might Be the Underdogs
CBS
He mentioned that they are constantly seeking out new experiences. Living in the vibrant city of New York means there is always something exciting going on, and they enjoy exploring these unique opportunities.
Ricky and Cesar excelled in the competition without letting the pressure affect their bond.
Cesar expressed gratitude for their strong communication, stating, "We're lucky to always be on the same page. And when we're not, we work it out together."
Ricky emphasized the importance of communication in resolving issues, stating that a healthy conversation can fix anything. He believed that even when feeling angry, it is essential to talk things through.
Ricky and Cesar first connected online and spent nine months dating before deciding to make their relationship official while on a trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Ricky shared how their relationship had a strong commitment without needing to label it. He recalled a sweet moment in Puerto Vallarta when his partner asked, "Will you be my boyfriend?" while they were swinging on a hammock.
They also mentioned on The Amazing Race their desire to use their prize money for the costly adoption process, which remains a part of their future plans.
Ricky expressed, "It is definitely in the future. I think there’s some things that we want to accomplish first, we really want to travel. We really want to figure out a house, kind of build some foundation things first. I love kids."
Cesar added that they both grew up “with backyards” and are having conversations about how to provide “that structure” and home base for their family.
“It’s almost more feasible now,” Ricky said. “[Winning The Amazing Race] really gives us a bigger chance to make those dreams come true.”
Editor's P/S:
Ricky and Cesar's triumph in The Amazing Race 36 is a testament to their adaptability and determination. Despite feeling like underdogs, they consistently exceeded expectations with their impressive performance. Their varied interests and willingness to step outside their comfort zones have undoubtedly contributed to their success. Their strong communication and ability to work through challenges together have also been crucial.
The couple's future plans, which include adoption and homeownership, are a testament to their commitment and desire to build a family. The prize money from The Amazing Race will provide them with the financial means to pursue these dreams. Their story is an inspiring example of how embracing challenges and working as a team can lead to remarkable achievements.
