Looks like I cheated

Here is the description of what the referee saw: “#1053, male, orange top, black bike—rider moved within less than 2 bike lengths of leading rider, stayed at this distance for about 5 seconds, then moved back to more than 3 bike lengths and did not execute a pass for at least the next 50 seconds.” 

By the rules, once you have entered the “draft zone” (defined as three bike lengths) you must continue to execute the pass within 15 seconds. 

LESSON LEARNED- my fault, but sucks to lose a podium spot for 5 seconds

You entered the draft zone within 3 bike lengths for a whopping 5 seconds, then backed off over the 3 bike lengths and was penalized?

I thought you were safe provided you either make the pass in the alotted time or fall back 3 bike lengths.

Wish there were some officials at my HIM a week ago they would've been busy.  Bummer on the penalties.

5.10g. Being Overtaken. When the leading edge of the front wheel of one cyclist passes beyond the front wheel of another cyclist, the second cyclist has been "overtaken" within the meaning of these Rules. A cyclist who has been overtaken bears primary responsibility for avoiding a position foul and must immediately move to the rear and out of the drafting zone of the passing cyclist. The overtaken cyclist shall first move completely out of the drafting zone of the other cyclist before attempting to re-pass the other cyclist.

that's really a bummer about the penalty!  to tell you the truth I am surprised that drafting was called during the race.  I did not see very many officials at all and for the most part it appeared that riders were riding within the rules.  Unlike other races (5430) where there is all kinds of drafting going on and very few get called for it!

 Any reason you couldn't have passed to the left?

e. Passing. A participant who approaches another cyclist from the rear or from another unfavorable position bears primary responsibility for avoiding a position foul even if the cyclist being approached alters speed. A participant must not attempt to pass another cyclist unless adequate space is available and the athlete is confident of his/her ability to pass the other cyclist. All passing is to be done to the left of the cyclist being overtaken unless otherwise specified.

ahohl - 2009-09-22 2:30 PM

the bear - 2009-09-22 2:34 PM

It's a full meter to the side, not two feet.  
I really doubt the officials are penalizing for this infraction and intentionally ignoring the blatant drafting you're describing. You may call it nitpicking, but there are advantages to be gained from these actions. It's the officials job to promote a safe and fair race, not to selectively enforce only specific rules, or to judge intent.

It's a meter? Did they change that? I swear when I started doing this sport I read all the rules and the draft zone was 2 feet to each side and 3 bike lengths to the rear.

I guess they probably tweak this things over time, and I don't think to re-read all the fine print.

h. Exceptions. A participant may enter the drafting zone without penalty only under the following conditions:

(1) When entering the drafting zone from the rear, closing the gap, and overtaking all within no more than 15 seconds.

(2) When cyclist reduces speed for safety reasons, for course blockage, for an aid station, for an emergency, when entering or exiting a transition area, or when making a turn of 90 degrees or more; or

(3) When USA Triathlon or the Head Referee expressly excludes a section of the bicycle course from the position foul rules because of overly narrow lanes, construction, detours, or a similar reason.