You can't use anything with forward-facing tips in a mass-start bike race. Too dangerous.
If your bike fits you, drops are a very comfortable option for going aero. If they're too far down for you, raise your stem until they're not. As you gain power, getting lower becomes more comfortable until you reach flexibility limits.
Drop bars with brake hoods have a wonderful array of hand positions to keep you comfy on a long ride.
Pros are tipping their brake hood high so they're comfortable when not involved in a serious breakaway effort. When they are in such an effort, their drops are low enough to make them extremely aerodynamic. They can further bend their elbows from there and get even lower.