Note that I said if you are applying standard MacCready theory, the wind doesn't matter, especially on a closed course - you fly the same distance upwind and downwind.

However, thermals generally blow with the wind, but usually a bit slower than the wind velocity. This would suggest flying a bit faster into a headwind and a bit slower with a tailwind. It is widely suggested that if you are heading to an upwind turnpoint, you should minimize thermalling until after the turn.

I've tried analyzing cross-country flights with different assumptions on wind speed and its distribution and it really doesn't seem to make much difference for the range of speeds you'll normally see.

Sounds like a perfect analysis for John Cochrane!

Mike