Kingsnorth International Wheelers was set up in the early 90s by former Ashford Wheeler and importer of Nico Sport clothing, Peter Murphy along with Ghent cycling stalwart Staf Boone. It was originally formed to give Commonwealth riders the opportunity to race in Belgium, the hotbed of world cycle racing. The club now boasts riders from all four corners of the world.
Since it’s formation, Kingsnorth has helped launch the careers of several top cyclists, most notably New Zealander Gordon Macauley, American Irish Kirk O’Bee and Britain’s Dean Downing.
Boone has a history of nurturing young talent. Some of his top amateurs that went on to become successful professionals include Alan Pieper, Nathan Dahlberg and Fred Rodriguez. Boone was instrumental in Dahlberg’s selection by American team 7 Eleven for the Tour de France in 1988.
Over the years the team has enjoyed much success in it's programme of kermiskoersen and interclub competitions which in 1999 and 2001 included victories in the top amateur classic, Haaselt- Spa- Haaselt by Kirk O’Bee and Australian rider Nathan Clarke respectively. Clarke beating Kevin Van Impe and Tom Boonen in a five man sprint.
Hans Ardeel won the world military championships in 2004. The other club member to wear the rainbow bands is Britain's only amateur world road race champion, Graham Webb.
Members of the club pay a small rent to stay at the teams base in Ghent. Clothing is issued on arrival and there is a strict club policy to prevent ‘freeloaders’.
