Guinness record for ZXMOTO founder

Zhang Xue, founder of Chinese motorcycle manufacturer ZXMOTO, set a new Guinness World Record on Sunday riding a modified MX450 across open water for 40.74 kilometers.

Zhang set the record for the greatest distance traveled over open water by a modified motorcycle, surpassing the previous record of 31.8 km. The attempt took place in his hometown of Mayang Miao autonomous county, Huaihua, Central China's Hunan province.

The challenge started at 11 am on a wide river course in Mayang. Rescue boats and medical teams were on standby throughout the ride, while Guinness World Records officials were present to verify GPS tracking, timing data and audiovisual records to validate the attempt.

Zhang completed the route smoothly on his vehicle, which had been equipped with flotation and waterproofing modifications. Despite navigating high-risk turns and managing physical fatigue over the long-distance water crossing, he successfully crossed the finish line after six laps.

Xiong Wen, an official adjudicator for Guinness World Records, confirmed the record on site.

This achievement came 17 years after Zhang's first attempt at a water ride at the age of 22. Back then, limited by vehicle technology and design, all four attempts ended in the water, with his best distance reaching only 20 meters.

For the successful attempt, Zhang's team spent five months refining buoyancy structures, waterproof sealing and power matching, conducting repeated water tests to resolve stability issues.

A day before the record attempt, Zhang was appointed tourism ambassador for Huaihua.

Wei Zhaohui, the city's Party secretary, met with Zhang and his team on Saturday and praised his dedication to the motorcycle industry, inviting him to help promote Huaihua's tourism resources and local products.

Zhang expressed gratitude to his hometown's authorities for their support, adding that he will leverage his industry connections, deepen cooperation and contribute to Huaihua's development.