Biniam Girmay made history as the first black African to win a Tour de France stage on Monday in Turin, Italy.
In a reduced sprint finish, Eritrea's Girmay powered to victory, with Colombia's Fernando Gaviria and Belgium's Arnaud de Lie in second and third.
Meanwhile, Richard Carapaz became the first Ecuadorian to wear the yellow jersey based on accumulated finishing positions over the first three stages, with Tadej Pogacar, Remco Evenepoel and Jonas Vingegaard also at the same time as the EF Education-EasyPost rider in the general classification.
At the finish, an emotional Girmay, 24 —who won his first Grand Tour stage at the Giro d'Italia in 2022—outlined the importance of his achievement.
"I would say thanks to God for everything, for giving me all the strength and support," Girmay said.
"Since I started cycling I have never dreamed of being part of the Tour de France but now I can't believe it. I want to say thank you to my family, my wife, Eritrea and Africa.
"We must be proud. Now we are part of the big races and have success. Now is our moment, now is our time. This for all Africa"
"Something was going to happen," Cavendish said. "You could feel it but you didn't know where or when. I heard it happening ahead so you're on the brakes, you skid and you wait for somebody to hit you from behind.
"Thankfully, we were OK and I don't think anyone was seriously hurt. You don't want anybody to crash but I don't think anyone was seriously hurt so that's very good news. We didn't sprint but we're safe and that's the main thing."
Stage three results
1. Biniam Girmay (Eri/Intermarche-Wanty) 5hrs 26mins 48secs
2. Fernando Gaviria (Col/Movistar) Same time
3. Arnaud de Lie (Bel/Lotto Dstny) "
4. Mads Pedersen (Den/Lidl-Trek) "
5. Dylan Groenewegen (Ned/Jayco-AlUla) "
6. Phil Bauhaus (Ger/Bahrain Victorious) "
7. Fabio Jakobsen (Ned/DSM-firmenich-PostNL) "
8. Davide Ballerini (ITA/Astana-Qazaqstan) "
9. Sam Bennett (Ire/Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale) "
10. Bryan Coquard (Fra/Cofidis) "