Originally Posted by pinky

Generally I find the issue isn't actually eating or drinking but remembering to eat and drink while racing - amazing how you can zone out like that. You'll figure out a rule of thumb for how much you can eat healthily during a race, I prefer a gel every 45 minutes or so, drinks every 10 to 15, .but everyone deffinently has their own ideas.
As for actually eating, just get used to doing everything on your bike - putting on/taking off warmers, vests and jackets, eating and drinking, peeing, taking bottles and food, generally its just getting used to riding no hands in close proximity to other riders.