China motorcycle legend invites fan to Italy race after learning man has late-stage cancer

China’s motorcycle industry legend Zhang Xue has invited a 31-year-old cancer-stricken fan to an overseas motorsport competition after learning about the man’s bleak prognosis.Zhang, who was little known to most of the public last year, rose to international fame months ago for achieving an unprecedented victory for the country in a world-class race.The turning point was in March when French rider Valentin Debise won two races in the WorldSSP class of the Superbike World Championship riding on Zhang’s brand ZXMOTO’s 820RR-RS model.Zhang Xue, centre, strides out with members of his team at an event. Photo: Instagram/ZXMOTOZhang, who comes from a poor rural family in central Hunan province and received little school education, has been celebrated as an encouraging model because of his rise from the grass roots.In mid-May, one of Zhang’s followers on social media left a comment saying he plans to buy a X-MOTO motorcycle if he successfully beats cancer, the Daxiang News reported.“I wanted to buy a motorcycle when I was a student, but I did not have the money. I have been busy with work after university graduation. Now I only want to live for myself,” wrote the internet user, surnamed Pan.Zhang replied to him: “Come on. When you recover from the disease, I will sell the motorcycle to you at 50 per cent discount.”Cancer-stricken Pan pictured, above, in a hospital bed, has thanked Zhang for his offer. Photo: the paper.cnZhang also instructed a customer service worker to contact Pan and invite him to go to Italy to watch a race at the end of September.From the conversation between his employee and Pan, Zhang learned that Pan, who lives in Foshan in southern Guangdong province, is at the late stage of liver cancer.Pan is willing to travel abroad to watch the race, but may not be able to make it in September due to his poor health condition.Zhang swiftly shifted his plan to take Pan abroad in July.Zhang celebrates his team’s win at a competition in Portugal. Photo: ZXMOTO“My plan has changed. If your physical condition allows, I would like to take you and your close relative to watch the next competition. I hope my video can speed up your visa application procedure,” Zhang wrote on social media on June 2.Further ReadingPan was diagnosed with liver cancer three years ago when he was preparing to get married. He then proposed to break up with his girlfriend.Soon after, his father was found to have rectal cancer.“Thank you Brother Zhang Xue. I had thought I would live in the darkness till the end of my life. I did not expect I would embrace this highlight moment,” Pan said on social media.“The sentence ‘life is always full of surprises’ has come true. I should live well every day,” he added.Zhang chats with British television personality Richard Hammond at an overseas event. Photo: Instagram/ ZXMOTOZhang encouraged him by saying: “A man should never say ‘I cannot’. Apply for a visa quickly.”Pan has applied for a visa, though it is not clear which country he and Zhang will go to watch the motorcycle competition.People on mainland social media have been captivated by the story.“Brother Pan, I hope you get better and do what you are interested in,” said one online observer.“I am moved to tears. Thank you Zhang Xue for spreading positive energy,” wrote another person.