NARBONNE, France — Mark Cavendish of Britain has won the 12th stage of the Tour de France. His victory came hours after the race was thrown into chaos with a third doping bust.

Italian rider Riccardo Ricco was detained by police before Thursday's stage. He is the third person to test positive for the performance enhancer EPO. Ricco's Saunier-Duval team withdrew from the Tour and suspended all its activities.

Cavendish has won three stages in this race. He led a group sprint to the finish in the 105-mile ride through rolling hills and plains.