Robbie McEwen's hopes of claiming a third Tour de France green jersey have been dealt a major blow with the Australian sprint cyclist disqualified from the third stage of the tour.

McEwen tangled with compatriot Stuart O'Grady in the final metres of the 212.5-kilometre stage.

He crossed in third place behind Belgian's Tom Boonen, but was later relegated to the back of the peloton after being penalised by the race judges.

McEwen says the judges made a mistake, and that his disqualification has all-but ended his hopes of winning the green jersey.

He is currently ninth in the tour's sprint competition with 26 points. Boonen is leading with 70 points while O'Grady is second with 50.

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