News shorts

• Samu finished second to that man Gilbert in yesterday's Tour crit is Aalst, Belgium. Samu came home three seconds down on the Belgian champ but in front of Ivan Basso in third. Samu isn't expected to go back home 'till Thursday as he aims to cash in on his Tour performance in lucrative criteriums in Belgium and in the Netherlands.
• Despite his late arrival, Samu will still lead the team's charge in San Sebastián on Saturday. On the provisional start list is also fellow Tour-riders Urtasun, A and R Pérez and Izagirre. Oroz, Isasi and Landa fill out the roster.
• Orbea first ventured into team sponsorship back in 1985. To celebrate this 25-year anniversary, Orbea's Continental team wore the iconic blue-and-white striped jersey of Delgado, Cabestany and co. in yesterday's Clásica Ordizia. Click here to check out photos of the classy jersey on the shoulders of the heroes of tomorrow.
• Despite finishing a career-best (I think!) 25th in the Tour de France, Gorka Verdugo says he did not aim for a high overall placing going into the race. "I didn't think about a top overall result, it's not important", he told el Diario de Navarra. "But if you do your work and stay with Samu throughout all the stages you naturally finish high up".
• Not only did Euskaltel earn a lot of admirers for their Tour performance, they also earned a whole lot of money. Team riders and staff will receive 87 780 euros to share between them, making them the eighth highest earners of the 22 teams.
• The UCI published their updated WorldTour rankings yesterday. Out of the 18 teams Euskaltel are ranked 12th, tied on points with number 13 Katusha. Movistar are currently occupying the 15th and last spot that guarantees a WorldTour status next year, but Euskaltel are perilously placed just 53 points ahead of Intxausti, Erviti and company.