I dont think that your logic is applicable. There are tons of pros who have no idea how to change a bicycle chain, or a stem. Pro athletes are not best known for going beyond the cutting edge with their thinking of race equipment. With that said, the reason why I would suggest lubing the tires is that if the treads are clogging with snow, then that would effectively give you a slick tire (which does not have much bite). If 'greasing' helps shed the snow, then you have the knobbies that are free to give a little more bite into the surface so that the tire does not slip. Another poster suggested to silanate the tires (something along the lines of silane repel present in small percentages in products like armorall and rain-x). This is not a bad idea; as it would be slow to wear off. THe race is supposed to be completely on snow, with no dirt,mud, etc. so I think that the biggest factor is keeping the tread free of snow to get the best speed.