Nocentini in yellow jersey on Tour's 12th stage

TONNERRE, France -- Rinaldo Nocentini of Italy wore the yellow jersey as riders started the 12th stage of the Tour de France, with British sprinter Mark Cavendish going for a third straight stage win.

Astana team rivals Alberto Contador and seven-time Tour champion Lance Armstrong were in second and third place, respectively, heading into Thursday's 131.4-mile trek from Tonnerre to Vittel, which features six small hills.

Also Thursday, the International Cycling Union said in a statement that an earpiece ban set for Friday's 13th stage from Vittel to Colmar has been overturned, and riders will be able to race with electronic radio equipment.