So, if I’m reading the graphic about right, you’re probably looking at about 45min of climbing out the gate, mostly road/gravel road (~1000m over 10km?). If so, then you’ll have to dictate pace by the group and just stay with them?
If I was doing this race, and wanted to maximise the potential to stick with the front. I’d be setting a ~90-92% limit for the first climb. Looks like a long descent to recuperate after. You may be able to go harder if you’re in the mix, it’s hard for me to say as I’ve never gone “all-in” on hanging onto a group at all costs.
Considering the single track is pretty much limited to that second climb you could justify burning some matches to be in a position to let off a bit on there - assuming that it’ll be difficult for other riders to make up as much.
Is that the kind of brain storming you were thinking? Apologies if I missed the mark, fun thought experiment.