In a groundbreaking achievement for Chinese motorsports, manufacturer ZXMOTO has captured an unprecedented double victory at the World Superbike Championship’s Portuguese round, concluded March 29. The remarkable feat marks the first time a Chinese motorcycle manufacturer has claimed victory in the World Supersport category, breaking the longstanding dominance of established European and Japanese brands that have traditionally ruled the premier global competition.
The historic triumph represents the culmination of an extraordinary journey by founder Zhang Xue, whose path from rural workshop apprentice to international racing champion embodies determination and technical innovation. Born in a small Hunan province village, Zhang began his mechanical education at age 14 as a motorcycle repair apprentice, spending countless hours dismantling and studying engines while saving for his first second-hand motorcycle.
Zhang’s persistence became evident in 2006 when, at 19, he rode over 100 kilometers through rain for a television appearance opportunity to demonstrate his riding skills. Though initially unsuccessful, his dedication eventually earned him a position with a professional racing team where he served as both stunt rider and mechanic, achieving podium finishes in domestic competitions.
After years of high-intensity training led to injuries, Zhang recognized the technological gap between China’s motorcycle industry and global leaders, prompting his strategic shift from racing to manufacturing. Between 2009-2012, he mastered full vehicle development processes at a Zhejiang province factory before relocating to Chongqing, China’s motorcycle manufacturing hub, to begin his own production journey.
The technological breakthrough came with the 2024 founding of ZXMOTO and development of fully independent engine technology. The mass-produced 820RR civilian motorcycle, powered by this domestically developed engine and adapted for racing, ultimately delivered the team’s historic double victory in Portugal, demonstrating Chinese engineering capability on motorsports’ global stage.