IAM Cycling rider fearful over missed doping test at Giro d'Italia
Stef Clement missed a doping control at the end of stage 12 of the Giro d'Italia because the finish line was too crowded and he finished 17 minutes behind

Stef Clement at the Giro d'Italia presentation (Sunada)
IAM Cycling's Stef Clement has called for leniency to be shown after he turned up late to a drugs test at the end of stage 12 of the Giro d'Italia due to the hustle and bustle of the finishing area.
The Dutchman worried about receiving a two year ban for missing the test, but the rider has some pretty decent extenuating circumstances, by all accounts.
After crashing, like many others, on the wet descent from Crosara, Clement suffered cuts and bruises to his elbow and hip. He continued the race and finished in the gruppetto, over 17 minutes behinds stage winner Philippe Gilbert.
With the stage over, Clement's group faced a struggle to even get up the final climb, with crowds reportedly filling the roads.
"By the blocked finish I was late in anti-doping control. Wet, cold and with dirty wounds. Risk 2-year suspension."
He added later: “Have now done the control and given my explanation. Now hoping for some leniency from the authorities. Extreme conditions, seems to me.”
>>> Five talking points from stage 12 of the Giro d’Italia
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
IAM Cycling sporting director Thierry Marichal said: "The last riders were hijacked by the crowds even before they could start the final ascent. The security service was unable to contain the exuberant fans on the road.
"This was a bit of a problem for us since Stef Clement was called to the doping control at the finish. We had to help him elbow through with a car in order to get him to the doping control tent in time so that they could test him."
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
Netflix cancels Tour de France series after three seasons
Streaming platform has decided to "explore new territories in the world of sport"
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Rapha's Excess Men's Pro Team GORE-TEX Rain Jacket is uniquely colourful, pricey, PFAS-restricted in the US and the most comfortable hard shell yet
Rapha’s newest rain jacket is built with reclaimed material and has a nifty trick: it’s stretchy. Does contain PFAS though.
By Tyler Boucher Published
-
Van Vleuten confirms her third Giro Donne victory
The Dutch rider finishes safely in the bunch while Chiara Consonni takes the final stage
By Owen Rogers Published
-
IAM sprinter criticises decision not to disqualify Groenewegen in Eurométropole finale (video)
Oliver Naesen claims he is the rightful winner of the Tour de l'Eurometropole, saying that Dylan Groenewegen deviated from his line in the sprint
By Stuart Clarke Published
-