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 Weekly 10 TT : 08-03-20 Race Results
Time Keeper: Jon Thorne Marshal: ?? A big thanks to them, as without them the event would not be able to go ahead. Spring chill but a lovely sunny morning starts the season Always a race that awakens the racing legs... after a winter of training in the warmth! Tony...
A wet start to the Lamport 10mTTs
Riders came out for the first of the KCC Lamport 10m TTs, with the uncertainty of rain as the sun was out, there was the looming presence of big black clouds, it was very changeable and at the race start time it was forecasted there was to be a 30% chance of rain, but...
Last of the Grafton TT Course for this year
Grafton Underwood 13.2miles TT25th April 2019 The final Grafton Underwood 13.2-mile TT of the season took place on 25th April, with ten riders in contention. With similar to the first visit earlier in the month, a strong south-easterly breeze pushed competitors along...
Ladies and Junior counting event at Grafton Underwood
Grafton Underwood TT course is one of the most challenging early season courses in the county. Hosted by Kettering Cycling Club.
First early start for the KCC TT series with the Broughton 10TT
Broughton 10TT 14th April 2019The KCC Time Trial series continued on 14th April in near freezing temperatures at Broughton. The 08:00 start is always a cold one at this time of year. The course begins on the A43 Broughton bypass and continues West towards Northampton....