Stef Clement of IAM has revealed how he was almost banned for two years after missing a doping control through no fault of his own at the end of stage 12 of the Giro d’Italia. That would have resulted in a two year ban.

He crashed hard and finished 17:21 down on stage winner Philippe Gilbert, but fans hijacked the final climb, making it impossible for Clement and other riders to get to the finish and he missed his test.

Thierry Marichal, directeur sportif, 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."

He did go to the doping control and they took his test and his circumstances have been taken into consideration and he won’t be punished. The Dutchman then headed to the paramedics truck to have his wounds attended to.

"I'm a little bit stiff and a little bit tired because it was a short night but I slept and I got back on my feet so I'm preparing to race again today," he explained. "I have a fairly bruised hip and the elbow is bruised and that’s about but they're deep wounds and they have a lot of moisture in them. I will start and maybe cycling will improve the healing."