Is it possible that it’s not Gilkes after all, maybe he’s off to Birmingham (only other Prem team left with a space for him)

Oxford are in a bit of trouble here. 13.40 left for 2 riders with Gilkes rumoured to be at No.6 would leave over 10.00 points for one rider. Any GP/Ekstraliga newcomer would be assessed as an 8.00 so that's at least 2 points under the limit (If they can get a No.1) assuming Gilkes does sign which I suspect he will otherwise he wouldn't have left Sheffield at the eleventh hour.

I’ll get a battering from the ‘full time positivity, be grateful we have racing back in Oxford’ gang, but can’t see us winning many this year looking at that.

If Oxford used Gilkes at reserve and as expected brought back Maciej, it would leave over 10 points left for the number 1... I know Oxford have had some questionable team selections in the last couple of seasons but starting that far below the limit in the Premiership world be crazy... unless there's any 10 point riders knocking about 😄 1.  2. Erik Riss 5.55 3. Maciej Janowski 7.02 5. Charles Wright 6.32 5. Rohan Tungate 7.71 6.  7. Luke Killeen RS 13.40 for final two riders. I'd personally go for two riders in the top 5 and have Rohan start at 1 and Erik at reserve because I don't see many out and out number 1s left unless they pull a rabbit out of a hat and bring one of the big GP stars over.

The team had to lose 5.80 points after team building discounts. It was always going to look weaker. Once the other sides are all announced, I think the Poole team will look very good. It's pointless to compare teams to previous years - it's only worth comparing them to the opposition they will face. On that measure, I don't think there will be any concerns.

As expected....on a 6 average, cant see much improvement coming from that! Does mean he'll be classed as a second string, leaving the door open for Gilkes at reserve?