The problem
Starting fast is easy. Finishing strong is the fight.
A gel or an energy drink hits fast and is gone just as fast. What follows is the drop, and it always arrives in the back half, where the ride gets decided.
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Dead legs at hour three
Three hours in, the same effort costs twice as much. The last climbs get ridden on whatever is left rather than what you trained for.
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Cramping and heavy climbs
Heavy legs the moment the road tilts, and a cramp waiting behind them. Long, hot rides take a lot out of you.
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A stomach that stops cooperating
There is a limit to how much fuel your gut will take, and long rides find it. Past that point more gels do not become more energy, they just sit there.