Downside of Drafting - USAT Olympic Distance Nationals, Milwaukee, Aug 9

Downside of Drafting - Not my best distance, but finishing top 25 qualifies me for ITU Worlds, held for the first time in 15 years back in the US (Chicago) for 2015.  My bike and run made up for a middle-of-the-pack swim and I easily qualified BUT for a drafting penalty.  USAT gives you 15 seconds to  stay out of a 3-bike length draft zone to complete a pass.  My counting was off,  I was clocked at 18 seconds for one overtake.  My 2 minute penalty dropped me to 26th place.  Chances are I'll still get to go to Chicago, just one qualifier has to turn down his slot, but this hurt.  Lesson learned, and fingers crossed I'll make it to Worlds 2015.  So all that time I gained sporting the new Spokesman team tri-suit didn't do me any good.  Next time.  Fortunately I'm solid for 2015 Worlds and a slot of the USAT Team for my stronger distance, 1/2 Ironman, and have tickets to Sweden next June.