Back in the Saddle by Hayden Groves represented the UK at the prestigious Gourmand World Cookbook Awards for a chance to be named Best in the World.

The ceremony which took place in China saw Back in Saddle crowned ‘Best in the World’ in both the ‘Sports Nutrition’ and ‘Charity Fundraising’ categories.

The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, aka the Oscars of the cookbook awards, were founded in 1995 by Edouard Cointreau. Every year the Awards honour the best food and wine books. Books from 205 countries participate in these prestigious awards, the largest international cookbook competition in the world.

Chef and author Hayden Groves was part of an amateur cycling team which last year tackled the three Grand Tours for charity – the Giro D’Italia, Tour de France and Spain’s La Vuelta – cycling 10,760km through seven countries in 63 days, becoming the first amateur team to complete the challenge one day ahead of the professionals, and raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for Cure Leukaemia.

The book features contributions from Professor Charlie Craddock CBE, Alastair Storey OBE, Phil Liggett MBE, Laura Kenny CBE and Michel Roux Jr, cycling photography by Dave Hayward and food photography by Adrian Franklin. It follows the team’s journey, punctuated by recipes from each stage.

Speaking about the award, 2013 National Chef of the Year, Hayden said:

“I am absolutely thrilled that Back in the Saddle has been recognised by the Gourmand World Cookbook awards with two global awards.

I wanted to create this book not only because it allowed me to relive the amazing experience I had during the three tours challenge, but it also allows me to continue to support Cure Leukaemia, a charity whose work is so vital to saving lives across the UK.

“The chance to put Back in the Saddle on a world stage and continue to raise money for Cure Leukaemia has been incredible, I am extremely grateful for all the support the book has received so far and I am thrilled that it has won two prestigious awards!”

The book was designed and produced by Face Publications and published courtesy of BaxterStorey, with all proceeds from its sale going to Cure Leukaemia.

With just 250 copies left, Back in the Saddle is available to buy online from www.3tourschallenge.com now for £30 + (P&P) and 100% of proceeds from the cookbook are donated straight to Cure Leukaemia.