Ralph Sios-e: Moving on to New Level

Related event: Tabuelan 111 Triathlon
List of Philippines triathlon / multisports / biking events here >>.

Ralph Martin Sios-e. He was probably the first triathlete I met in my adult life. But I first knew of him as a coach. One time, he coached some of the friends in swimming, and others in running. Though, I see my friends becoming better at their swimming, faster runner, and getting cozy with triathlon, I never saw him performed.

Not until, I was “attacking” the uphill on foot going to Leyson’s Peak in TransCentral Highway in Cebu, and a road biker zoomed and passed me like it was a flat road. Then, the biker came back like a mad driver, and asked me if I needed any thing, that’s when I realized it was Rap (as how the friends usually address him). Shocked, I replied that I did not need any thing. Then, he zoomed again back to the peak, and left me with awe. So, finally, I saw him performed; though, it was only a training ride.

Then triathlon became a frequent event in Cebu, and hearing Rap won his age group was a usual thing to hear.

Until something unusual, though expected, is going on with Ralph. Aside from lovelife, he will be competing in the “elite category” this coming Tabuelan 111 (Details of event here >>.).

Before he’ll toe the line in the elite category, the final day of his becoming elite, a little of his past, present, and future, not to miss his bike set-up, and a dose of inspiring words from Rap!

PAST

“You are what you think, most of the time. So if I put my mind that I’m fast and strong to push thru, it will be done.” – Ralph Sios-e

Ralph’s early days of triathlon

He started triathlon in 2008, when triathlon was gaining popularity in Cebu. His 1st race was of that year, the NAGT (National Age Group Triahtlon) in Alegre Beach Resort, using a mountainbike. In 2010, he became his hometown’s, Carmen’s, pride when he won 3rd in his age group in CamSur Ironman 2010. Being considered the only Cebuano to make it to the podium at that time, he helped in putting Cebu on the map of triathlon, and also helped in catalyzing the triathlon here. (Story “Carmen Revelation” here >>.)

3rd age group, Ironman Camsur 2010
(Photo from Ralph’s collection)

His other top finishes are: Overall Champion NEGOR Sprint Triathlon 2011, 2nd overall champion Summit Triathlon Team Championship Series 2012.

CamSur Ironman 2010 was his most memorable. But when Ironman came to Cebu in 2012, it was a frustrating win for him, when getting the 2nd place (age group) was snatched from him at the last 800 meters of the run, making him a consistent 3rd placer of the Ironman franchise.

PRESENT

“Training is not merely putting in as many miles as possible. It is the ability to stress the body and recover; so that it adapts to a higher level of pain.” – Ralph Sios-e

Ralph at Xterra 2013
(Photo by Reynan Opada)

He admitted that he’s frustrating winning last Cobra Ironman Cebu was due to lack of training. And, this time for the Tabuelan 111, he might be a repeat offender of it. But he’s making up and working hard on it “secretly” back in his home town, Carmen, Cebu. He does not give much details about his training program, except that he’s in an intense training for the past month.

But whatever may come out of his Tabuelan 111 or other competitions, Ralph has became more than an athlete in the triathlon community; he has given much to help it move forward. He has been known to coach new and old triathletes, and few of them are now champions.

He’s also currently the Sales and Marketing Head of Vellum, a Cebuano-owned designer, maker and supplier of quality cycling products. Vellum was established by Chris Aldeguer, design entrepreneur and triathlete, and Michael Flores, cyclist, Industrial Designer and Architect. (More about Vellum at their website vellumcycles.com here >>.)

To give us a bit of an idea of Vellum’s bikes: Ralph recommended the Vellum Uno Race for the beginners in triathlon. Their Uno Race and Uno Pro best-seller frames of their triathlon variant. While Equilibrium and Equilibrium Phantom for are their bestseller road bikes.

For some bike porn, here is Ralph’s bike set-up: Vellum Uno Pro with profile design SVET and T2 Cobra cockpit; Ultegra drivetrain, Rotor 3d aero cranks, Dura Ace shifters, Cane creek carbon levers, Fizik saddle, UB wheelset, and Continental sprinter tires

FUTURE

“Competition is the opportunity to put into play all the things that you worked on in your training. It should not be a source of stress, but AN OPPORTUNITY TO REACH NEW LEVELS.” – Ralph Sios-e

Photo by Carlo’s EstaÑo Go

This Tabuelan 111 race day (June 16, 2013), he may come under-trained; but, he’s definitely more inspired to play in the new level! And, we’ll see how he will put training and inspiration into play! =)
Related event: Tabuelan 111 Triathlon
List of Philippines triathlon / multisports / biking events here >>.
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Rose Buenconsejo. A runner who runs after runners, and their stories, and her dream to become a NEDBANK.
Promo Girl, runroo.com
View her aktib race calendar >>