He would spend a few periods overseas, joining a team, diving into the exhilarating but harsh world of French and Belgian racing.

WSJ: Cycling: Jason Gay: The Last Big Wheel of NYC

The 17-year-old from Quedgeley finished eighth in the riders' standings with Belgian team Marc VDS Racing.

BBC: Scott Redding set to test Suter MotoGP bike

And if you're into cycling, be sure to check out the Belgian Cycling Paradise, an outdoor exhibit featuring historic racing bikes and a virtual cycling tour of Belgium, the founder of cycle racing.

BBC: The Olympics�� many cultures

Nemec had three years left to run of a four-year contract with Racing Genk, so Hearts would have had to pay the Belgian Jupiler League club a transfer fee.

BBC: Nemec spurns Hearts for Germany