I haven't tried this yet but think I might, I've noticed that once I take an energy gel during a ride I feel as good as if I just started, I get a huge amount of energy, I don't even seem to get this from energy drinks. Carbbooms have been a favorite of mine. However, would it be advantous to take a pack before a race as well so you have that extra boost of needed energy to last you through at least the first half of the race or would you bounk too soon?

Pre-exercise snacks high in carbohydrate are recommended as they have been proven to extend time to fatigue so I would suggest you try it. Other good options include fresh fruit salad and cold pasta salad (my personal favourite).

If you read on the back of most gels they say to take one 30 minutes before starting then 1 every 1/2-1 hour of exercise. I say try a gel before and experiment to see what works for you.

Yes, try it at least one day before a race, and not just before a race. I never take it before a race, and I mix it with water so I don't have to take a lot of water with it. Nevertheless, I also carry additional fresh water bottle to wash it down. Incidentally, I like Accelerade fruit punch better.