Rui Goncalves took his first ever MX1 podium in Sunday’s Czech Republic Motocross Grand Prix, as Dunlop celebrated its fourth rostrum in five events.

Goncalves, cruelly denied a debut MX1 podium by a late technical issue one week earlier in Lommel, came out fighting on the fast and technical Loket circuit, where he was among the top three in every session.

A rain shower just before Sunday’s first moto made the notoriously slippery surface even more treacherous, but Dunlop tyres found grip from the off – Goncalves and Honda World Motocross team-mate Evgeny Bobryshev running second and third through turn one!

Only eventual grand prix winner Clement Desalle was able to pass the duo, meaning both Goncalves and 2011 grand prix winner Bobryshev approached moto two in overall podium contention.

Bobryshev’s rostrum hopes ended when he was dragged down during a handlebar-banging first turn, but Goncalves was again up front and fighting for victory. The former MX2 title runner-up spent six laps in a close second place, before Desalle finally found a way past.

But Goncalves maintained his pace to the chequered flag and successfully held off race one winner and reigning world champion Tony Cairoli. Goncalves’ 3-3 moto finishes were rewarded with third overall and his first grand prix podium since 2009 (in the MX2 class).

“I am really happy for Rui,” said Dunlop’s Motocross Race Coordinator Eddy Seel. “After the bad luck last weekend in Lommel, he really deserved that podium. And we again saw the amazing traction of our tyres, with strong starts in both motos.”

Despite suffering his first non-score of the season in moto two, Bobryshev (five podiums this season) continues to hold fourth in the world championship with three rounds to go. Goncalves remains sixth, but is now within 29 points of fifth.

Over at LS Honda, Shaun Simpson enjoyed two strong starts on his way to tenth overall at Loket, with experienced team-mate Ken de Dycker twelfth. Each rider took one top-ten moto finish.

Off the course, the Dunlop Glove carried from its successful Lommel debut by meeting plenty of girls in the Loket paddock. More of this, and Dunlop’s motocross activities can be followed @DunlopWorldMX.

After a one-year absence, round 13 of the 2011 FIM MX1 World Championship will see the return of the British Motocross Grand Prix, to be held at Matterley Basin on August 21.

Rider quote:

Rui Goncalves Honda World Motocross:

“I am really happy to be on the podium, especially after last weekend. The ground is really special here. It is gravelly and very slippery. I felt I’ve proved this is where I deserve to be, as I had good speed and consistency all weekend. I would like to thank everyone for preparing a great race bike.”

Dunlop quote:

Sharon Antonaros, EMEA Marketing and Sales Director – Dunlop Motorcycle Business Unit:

“Honda and Dunlop are making big steps forward and we are now one of the favourites to achieve a podium finish. I predict that there will be further podiums before the season is out…”