The seven-stage tour started at Tybee Island, with Sanderson claiming the second fastest time in the first stage of the tour.

Riding for the Jelly Belly Pro Cycling team, Sanderson was rated the best young rider for the stage, wearing the jersey at the start of the second stage, setting off from Statesboro to Augusta.

Sanderson again flew the Jelly Belly team flag, crossing the line fourth in the second stage and tied for the best young rider jersey with American cyclist Tyler Farrar.

His efforts continued through the third stage, with Sanderson missing out on taking the best young rider hat-trick by a mere 0.04 of a second.

The Jelly Belly Pro Cycling team finished 10th overall in the standings.

Sanderson was signed with the San Diego-based Jelly Belly team in January after training with the Australian Institute of Sport for five months.

The 12 rider team comprises of nine Americans, one New Zealander and two Australians.

The signing was a huge achievement for the 23yearold, who parted ways with Davitamon-Lotto, a prominent Belgian Pro Tour team due to a minor medical condition in 2006.