On first impression, Zhang Xue doesn't seem to care whether or not people like him.

"I wasn't willing to take any interview," said the squat man with a thick neck, wearing his own brand ZXMOTO biker jacket, at a media briefing on Monday.

Zhang was speaking to dozens of journalists in his company's Chongqing factory after one of his motorcycles made history at the weekend by securing two World Supersport category wins at Portugal's Portimao circuit.

In the first race on Saturday, French rider Valentin Debise piloted Zhang's 820RR-RS bike to a commanding victory margin of 3.685 seconds over established big-name rivals in the Superbike World Championship (WSBK).

Production-based motorcycles race in the series, making it a showcase for manufacturers.

"None of you would be here if it weren't for someone putting in a word for you to be here," he said bluntly. His remarks made many of the assembled media people uncomfortable.

The 39-year-old should have been reveling in the moment and enjoying the public spotlight. But he told the reporters that he just wanted to focus on producing motorcycles and prepare for the next race this month.

The sport has long been dominated by European and Japanese giants, such as Ducati, BMW, and the Japanese "Big Four" of Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki.

But it took ZXMOTO — short for Zhang Xue Motorcycle — a brand established in April 2024, less than two years to change the status quo.

From a workshop apprentice to the top of the podium, Zhang has inspired millions of Chinese people because of his perseverance, courage, determination and passion for motorcycles.