It reminds me of the time back in '85 when I skied the Swiss XC marathon called "Engadiner" — 42 K with a lot of flat terrain across the frozen lakes. One of the competitors, staying at the same hotel, commented/asked how I would make out with my "rustic equipment". My reply was "Let's discuss that after tomorrow's race!".
He finished 8 minutes behind me, all that super-duper gear didn't make him faster.
Full disclosure, another guest at the hotel lend me a pair of poles that were "slightly longer" than mine and certainly helped.