Zhejiang firm powers historic WSBK win with key racing technology

Meibaolong Vehicle Industry in Ruian, eastern China's Zhejiang province. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

At a round of the Superbike World Championship on March 29, French rider Valentin Debise secured a double victory in the WorldSSP category riding the 820RR-RS developed by Chinese brand ZXMOTO.

The win marked the first time a Chinese motorcycle had stood atop the championship podium, ending a 37-year dominance by European, American, and Japanese manufacturers.

A key component behind the victory was an intelligent keyless ignition system supplied by Meibaolong Vehicle Industry, based in Ruian, eastern China's Zhejiang province.

The keyless ignition system developed by Meibaolong, used in the race-winning motorcycle. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Meibaolong, the exclusive supplier to ZXMOTO, independently developed the system used in the race bike. It operated flawlessly throughout the competition, ensuring reliable performance under extreme racing conditions.

Founded over a decade ago, the company has focused on technological innovation in motorcycle components. Its products are now integrated not only into ZXMOTO models, but also into the supply chains of major domestic and international brands. In 2025, its output value exceeded 200 million yuan ($29.27 million), with products exported to overseas markets.

The company's rise reflects the broader strength of Ruian's auto and motorcycle parts industry. Known as China's capital of auto and motorcycle components, the city is home to more than 6,000 enterprises across the full industrial chain, with the total output exceeding 100 billion yuan.

In recent years, Ruian has accelerated the sector's transition toward high-end and intelligent manufacturing, with the development of the China (Wenzhou) Intelligent Vehicle Industrial Park supporting local industrial upgrading.

Local authorities said they will continue to support high-quality local firms and promote more Ruian-made core components globally, helping to advance China’s position in the global value chain.