Even a sprint tri is over an hour for most people, so it is still an endurance event. Personally, I have not done a sprint, only a half, and some Olys, but I think a gel is maybe a bit much, but you have to find out what works for you. Even on the Oly's, I don't eat much if any, but I do have gatorade/powerade in my water bottles. I think that is enough calories for me, but again, everyone is different.