So now you can go L1- nationals, espoir/junior/senior?
yes
Wouldn't it be a big jump to compete L1 then go straight to senior british? I don't know the requirements for L1 but was assuming not to different to espoir.
Yes massive. Could be a very nasty shock if not prepared.
Although I would think it's easier to pass L1 than it is to qualify via challenge cup? Doesn't the OOA pathway make challenge cup a bit redundant?
No not redundant. There are gymnasts who do not have high enough level skills on all pieces to feel confident at the British Seniors. There are others who can medal on pieces at Challenge and do well AA who would struggle and feel out of place at the British Seniors. Many of these gymnasts are happy to compete at Challenge level, it is more appropriate for them. For many girls Challenge Cup is a worthy goal in itself. I will be honest I see gymnasts at the bottom end of the British sometimes that look very out of place. But they have to meet a re qualification score to stay there so I suppose it works itself out.
Sometimes I do think the L1-L10 with everyone on the same pathway would be far easier! There are enough invitationals around these days that even if you don't want to commit to a level pathway you could do 3 or 4 big comps a year.