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Too many gels/food can turn you into Poomoulin.
Setting some kind of timer to remind people to have food or drink every 15 minutes sounds like a no brainer, but not straightforward in practice, when you're attacking, climbing out the saddle, trying not to get dropped.
Also could have been a missed food bag, domestique took one less bottle, all sorts of things.Froome famously had a hunger flat and got penalized 20 seconds for an illegal feed when he sent Porte to get him a gel, so can happen to the very best.
The average amateur triathlete/marathon runner is probably better at fueling than a world tour pro.
They're pros though, it's their job to do everything they can to give themselves the chance to perform and they have a team to support them. Not having the legs, not feeling it on the day, heat got to me, etc. that's part and parcel, but losing time because you forgot to eat/drink enough? Nah, not having that. Maybe I'm being harsh. Fair point about giving them just enough to maintain weight, you'd think they'd err on the side of caution though.