We caught up with Rui and asked him about his recent return to racing.

MXlarge: Rui, can you tell me about the first month or so of your return to racing?

Goncalves: I mean I got back on the bike two weeks before Valkenswaard and things were going okay, for sure I didn’t have the speed I wanted, but I did Valkenswaard, the track was rough there and that was good for my body, to get used to riding again. I mean I had been cycling and running, but it isn’t the same as racing. From there we went to Portugal and that was better, then Spain one moto was good one moto wasn’t so good. I am improving every time I get on the bike. When I go practicing now I look forward to improving my speed and condition.

MXlarge: What has been the biggest problem?

Goncalves:  I have been struggling a little in the races with rhythm, one lap is good, then the next is slow, I need to get consistent, but that is just due to not racing enough. Now I just look forward to the season, my shoulder is the past and now I just work hard and get to where I want to be.

MXlarge: That has to be really difficult when you get a good start on the 350 and you are at the front of the pack?

Goncalves: It’s not easy, everyone is fast and there are a lot of guys who are good. It’s tough to get into the races because the speed is so good from the others. Training with Antonio (Cairoli) has been good, we do motos together in the week and that helps a lot. I try to stay with him and that has been good. Together working with the team we are trying to get better, but obviously you can’t change it in two days. I was two months out of racing and now I just have to take my time, but for sure it will happen.

MXlarge: The 350 has proven pretty goods out of the start hasn’t it?

Goncalves: Valkenswaard I had good starts, also in Portugal; I mean the bike is awesome. Obviously when you go out in the first laps and everyone is faster and you are making mistakes, you need to just get stronger and realize it’s a little early. I have been working hard and riding a lot to get where I want to be.

MXlarge: When does the 350cc have a slight disadvantage on the 450cc bikes?

Goncalves: If it’s a long start maybe the 450cc will have an advantage, but the 350cc gets out of the start so strong and the response is really good. It depends, when you are good out of the gate good then it’ hard for somebody to pass you in the first section of the start, so if you can get an advantage there, which you do with the response from the 350cc, then you are okay. With the 350cc you need to focus on that gate and getting a good drop.