The roads are in good condition but its a long race. I used new Krylions (my training tire) and didn't have any problems. While weight is important, I would focus more on rolling resistance and cornering because while there is a lot of climbing, there is nearly as much descending and you will want to do it fast. Regarding the comment about not wanting to get gapped at the top of a climb, this race's climbs are not like typical races. First, the climbs are so long that the ability to hold on for 5-10 extra seconds isn't going to make any difference. And the climbs are all out and back with a checkpoint at the top which will erase a few seconds of difference. Second, the ability to descend faster will easily make up seconds that are lost. Third, unless you are in the Pro/1/2/3 categories, there are pretty much no packs in the race after the first mile or so of the first climb.