Maybe it's better that it changes, as it could make the course harder, more compact and likely less gradual downhills. That said, it could benefit guys like Krüger, Roethe and Holund. Tomorrow is a danger stage for Golberg. He may lose time. He still has a classic sprint where he is likely the 2nd favorite to Klaebo and a 30km classic pursuit, but I'd put money on Bolshunov in that one. The Norwegians will certainly try to play tactical games with Bolshunov so hopefully the Russians can help him out. They have plenty of firepower in skate distance racing, Spitsov, Melnichenko, Yakimushkin, Belov, are guys that have made the podium in skate races on the WC. Belov won the 15km skate in Davos last season and seems to be improving in form. Larkov excels in long distance and mass start races. It will be crucial for Bolshunov and the Russians to gain time on Golberg tomorrow because he'll be tough in the classic sprint and classic distance racing favors him more than skate. Bolshunov is in the same boat as Golberg, but he is a noticeably better skate distance skier (and always has been) than Golberg.
What will Klaebo do? Will he just cruise tomorrow and save his energy for the sprint? I don't see how he can gain a lot tomorrow, unless his finger miraculously recovered. He would have to be flawless in the final three stages to get onto the podium.
There's really nothing to say about the women's race. The sprint yesterday all but assured Johaug the tour win. A 38km mass start will see her winning by over a minute, maybe 2 minutes, maybe more...Hopefully skiers like Andersson, Parmakoski, Stadlober, Kalla can be up there and challenge the Norwegians. I don't think they are in top shape, so it'll be difficult to stop the Norwegians, but I think most will agree that the Norwegian dominance needs to be challenged. Nobody wants to watch a Norwegian national championship every race, even the hardcore, traditional Norwegian fans.