There were two separate events. The OP was caught by the women. He was neutralized. The rules only allow neutralization until the faster group passes, not for 14 miles. Then after the women passed, and everyone was back to racing, the OP was catching the women. The same rule applies. The slower leading field should have been neutralized until the faster one passed; i.e., the OP should have been allowed to pass the women. The rules stop one group from taking pace of another; they don't limit passing.

It's not that hard to challenge an official if you know the rules (and it's always a good idea to travel with a hard copy).