Two clubs into one
Despite being formed in 2000, Kettering CC has a long, proud heritage, formed as it was from the amalgamation of two other clubs.
Kettering Amateur started life in 1890, formed by John Bosworth, a local cycle and motorcycle dealer who created an inflatable bicycle tyre. Sadly Mr. Dunlop registered a patent before Bosworth, something which may have influenced the ban on pneumatic tyres at club events of the era.
Though it was suspended during both the First and Second World Wars, Amateur thrived as a racing club.
Kettering Friendly was established in 1945 primarily for leisure cyclists, though that did not last long as younger members began competing. In 1952 the club successfully appealed a one-year competition ban for hosting an unregistered massed start event and went on to build an enviable reputation as a racing club which lasted through to the 1980s.
Both clubs raced regularly on the velodrome which now forms part of the go-kart track at Wicksteed Park, but in 1999 old rivalries were put aside and merger talks began. The club’s first event, a hilly 20-mile TT, attracted 44 members and while membership has fluctuated, it has always run a full calendar of races.
The past in pictures
Do you have any photos from the past?
If we can use them on website gallery please contact one of our committee members.
KCC 100 SPORTIFF
103.2 mile clockwise KCC 6 Counties Clockwise loop north to Uppingham – Stamford – south via Oundle to Kimbolton – turn and head north via Ringstead – before back to Kettering. 4,708ft of climbing This ride was planned as the “KCC 100 SPORTIFF 2021” and is a loop that...
Race results: Grafton 13.2mTT 22-04-21
Time Keeper: Jon Thorne Time Keeper Assistant: Mike Cope Marshals: Maria Gent, Sue Rust & Steven Hendry A big thanks to them, as without them the event would not be able to go ahead Everyone is finding their legs Weather: Sunny with a nip in the air. Still almost...
Under the pretence of bright skies
Bright skies disguised a fairly chilly start to the social ride, setting off a few minutes after the training group and following the same route up Warkton hill and eastwards through Slipton to Thrapston. At that point the routes divided, as we headed south through...
Weekend race results 17-18th April 2021
KCC riders Mike Cope and Eddie Smith traveled to Open time trial events over the weekend, here's how they got on. Notts & East Midlands VTTA Date/Time: 03-Apr-21 14:00:00 Distance: 10 Miles Course: A10/14 Mike Cope traveled up to Nottinghamshire at the weekend to...
49.8 mile clockwise to Laxton, Oundle and back via the Old Barn at Wadenhoe
Clockwise loop north to Laxton – loop eat to Woodnewton – loop southwest to Wadenhoe to stop – before back to Kettering Twywell. 2,530ft of climbing Starting at Sainsbury's Kettering Leave Kettering out eastward to Warkton, turning left at the crossroads to Grafton...