Hundreds of train passengers were caught up in delays after cyclists taking part in the London to Brighton bike ride held a sit-down protest over a bike ban.

A spontaneous sit-in was held by 40 when station staff at Preston Park refused to allow them to travel.

The cyclists were told the 6pm service would not leave until they left the train but they refused to move.

The train was eventually cancelled but the delay blocked the line and caused disruption for passengers travelling from Brighton to London for the rest of the evening.

Rail firm Southern branded the protesters "selfish" and said hundreds of spectators who flocked to Brighton to watch the charity race were "seriously inconvenienced."

The company warned the British Heart Foundation, which organised the annual London to Brighton ride, almost a year ago bikes would be barred from trains for about three hours after the event.

More than 27,000 riders took part in the annual 56-mile trip, which each year raises millions of pounds for the British Heart Foundation.

But hundreds of weary riders were left stranded at Brighton station following train operator Southern's decision to suspend services for cyclists.

Gates to the station were locked shut and a dozen security guards barred anyone from passing with a bike.

Some riders travelling with different train operators such as Wessex Trains, which was letting bikes on to its carriages, found themselves unable to get home as they were caught up in the blanket ban.

Many cyclists not taking part in the charity ride were also stuck and complained they had not been told about Southern's decision not to allow bikes on board.

Even people who stripped their bikes down, locked the frame and tried to carry their wheels and saddle on to a train were denied entry.

A group of cyclists left Brighton and headed for Preston Park after hearing there was no security to prevent them boarding the train.

Cyclist David Haq, 33, an engineering project manager from London, took part in the Preston Park protests.

He said: "Everyone turned up at Brighton station but there was a lot of security there and pushing and shoving. A group of riders cycled to Preston Park, including myself, and there was more than 30 of us waiting down there. There was no security and no one stopped us.

"The cyclists got on board but the guard said was train was not leaving until we got off so we just sat there and refused to move."

The 5.58pm service from Preston Park was cancelled by Southern and passengers had to wait until 7.15pm before they could continue their journey to the capital.

A second train arrived at the station and passengers without bikes were allowed to board. But the protest caused serious delays along the route.

The Southern spokesman said: "All the participants knew well in advance of yesterday's event Southern would not be able to provide a service. We understand their frustration but this is once a year.

"The British Heart Foundation had made detailed alternative arrangements and thousands of other cyclists were prepared to use these arrangements.

"The protests by a small selfish minority of cyclists meant many of our passengers were seriously inconvenienced."

He said the new rolling stock introduced on the line could not accommodate large numbers of cycles.

With the older slam door-style carriages the seats could be removed allowing hundreds of bikes to be stored but this was no longer possible.

He added: "This rule was brought in because of the different style of rolling stock. On the old style of train we could take out the seats but on these new trains we do not have the capability. We just cannot handle those numbers on the new trains."

The protests came as hundreds of cyclists who took part in the charity ride voiced their anger at the decision of the rail company to bar riders.

The ban caused chaos at Brighton station with some riders breaking down in tears when they discovered they could not travel home by train.

Davinia Wild, 26, was left frustrated when a guard refused to let her on a train to Chichester with just two wheels and a saddle.

She said: "I just can't believe it. They are letting people on with suitcases and prams and this is no different at all.

"It's unbelievable they won't let us on. You would think the train operator would be a lot more accommodating for a charity event like this."

The British Heart Foundation said most people taking part in the ride were aware of the ban and were loading their bikes on specially hired lorries and travelling home by coach.

Christie Schonfeldt, 25, from Wimbledon, London, told The Argus some people were being left behind.

She said: "We were okay because we were part of the official ride and they let us buy our ticket on the spot.

"But there were a lot of people who just joined the ride unofficially and they weren't letting them on."

Despite the transport difficulties, there were many smiles on the finishing line as riders braved rain and wind to make the epic journey, which has been held since 1976.

Organisers are hopeful the event will break last year's record of £2.5 million raised for research into heart disease.

British Heart Foundation spokesman David Barker said: "Everything has gone really well. The weather could have been better as it's been a bit chilly but all in all it has been a very successful day."

Among those taking part was Julie Rebelo, 33, from Sutton in Surrey.

She said: "This is the first time I have done it and it has been a great day. We have had lots of fun and we finished in six hours, which I think is a pretty good time.

"It's a fantastic day out and a brilliant way to raise money for the British Heart Foundation."

Her husband Bert, 32, was scathing about Southern's decision to ban bicycles from its trains.

He said: "Trying to arrange transport has been a nightmare. It's made both of us seriously think about taking part again next year."

The couple had to drive two cars down to Brighton on Friday and leave one of them parked in the city to use for the journey home.

Mr Rebelo said: "I don't understand why the train company couldn't put the older trains on today to take the cyclists.

"The Government is trying to increase the use of public transport but if bikes cannot go on the trains then there is something seriously wrong.

"I feel very strongly about this and something needs to be done."

Alex Aylward, 28, from Copthorne, near Crawley, was also taking part in the ride for the first time.

She said: "We made it in about five-and-a-half-hours so I am very pleased. The highlight was coming to the finishing line and having all the crowd cheer us on. It was brilliant."

Ms Aylward and her friends arranged to be picked up by friends at the Q8 garage at the Patcham roundabout to make it home.

She said: "I'm not looking forward to having to cycle all the way back up there but there was nothing else we could do. The transport situation has been terrible.

"I know the organisers have put on coaches and lorries to take people's bikes back to London but if you've got an expensive bike I don't think you would want to take the risk it might go missing."