Concerns over climate change, health and fitness and the glamour of the Tour de France are driving a huge revival in cycling holidays, according to a report.

Britons spent some £120m on 450,000 cycling holidays last year, with some operators experiencing increases of up to 30% on 2005 figures, research by market analysts Mintel reveals.

Mintel estimates that a further 2.25m holidays taken by Britons last year included some kind of cycling adventure, such a day's bike hire. The fast-expanding Sustrans National Cycle Network has helped to make cycling holidays in Britain more popular.

Richard Cope, senior travel consultant at Mintel, said: "Britain is becoming a nation of cycling enthusiasts." Cycling had been given a new lease of life by environmental issues, an increased interest in health and fitness and this year's Tour de France. While 16% of adults have been on a cycling holiday, 12% would like to, suggesting that six million Britons are on track to become first-time cycling holidaymakers.