Oh, I wasn’t speaking about me, as I’ve been on top of the podium for my first 4 races and took 2nd last weekend 
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You can argue physiology and metabolism rates if you choose, but that is the current consensus. One should experiment with nutrition/fueling before and during the race, but just do it 3 hours before and after the race has started. Again, if what you do is working then by all means continue. I don’t doubt that if someone feels they “need” to eat before a race to have a good performance then they are probably better off doing so (placebo effect). As those mental gains likely outweigh any physical gains. However, biologically science is suggesting otherwise.