Briefs: UCI rankings/team-camp/Samu

• Samuel Sánchez has finished inside the top 10 in the UCI's Pro Tour/WorldTour rankings in all but one year since 2006. His results read: 2006: 2nd. 2007: 9th. 2009: 3rd. 2010: 10th. 2011: 7th. I doubt anyone in the pro peloton matches that. Consistent.
• Euskaltel will get their preparations for 2012 underway next week. The whole team, all 23 of them, will get together in Derio for three days starting this coming Monday to lay out the plans for next season. Source: www.fundacioneuskadi.com
• If Samu really as polite and likeable as he looks on TV? Most definitely so, according to Nacho Lebarga. "He's a charming man. He handles the media and the journalists very well", the Marca journalist told Iban Mayo Blog. "I've been lucky enough to interview him a few times, and it's always enjoyable. Not only is he a strong rider; he's excellent with journalists and team-mates".