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


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30.4 mile clockwise loop south then north west. Kettering – Mears Ashby – Lamport – Kettering
Starting at Sainsbury's Kettering.Head south out through Kettering Business Park, through Pytchley, Orlingbury, Little Harrowden, Hardwick to Mears Asbhy, where we turn west through Sywell, Holcot to Brixworth and then turn north to Lamport and Draughton before...
40.7 mile : Kettering – Old Weston (clockwise east)
Starting at Sainsbury's Kettering. Out east via Warkton, Grafton Underwood, Slipton, Islip to Thrapston, passing through to continue eastward to Clopton and then turn southeast to Old Weston before turning home (westward) via Brington, Bythorn, Keystone, around Raunds...
N3/10
Lamport 10
NC15
Old 9.4TT
N18/10
The Broughton TT Course ( Holcot/Sywell RBT on A43 ) - 10 miles START at south end of lay-by on A43 just North of Mawsley roundabout. Proceed south straight over Mawsley roundabout and continue travelling south on A43 towards Northampton. Continue to TURN (marshal) at...