American Alexey Vermeulen of the Team Lotto NL Jumbo squad finished third at the 2016 US Pro National TT Championships on this Bianchi Aquila CV. Top of the podium went to Taylor Phinney and second place to Tom Zirbel, but Vermeulen, who was one of the first starters in that Wilkes County, NC event, held on to the hot seat for a long time.

Bianchi TT bikes are a relatively rare breed in North America, but Vermeulen put this Shimano-equipped bike to good use.

The Bianchi Aquila CV is very tight up front. And apparently CV stands for Counter Vail, not Crono Velo as I had guessed.

The cockpit is by Vision and Vermeulen had his arm pads very close together.

A few simple cliff notes for the operator.

Vermeulen in action on this Aquila during the National TT Championships.

Vermeulen was the only representative of the World Tour team racing in Winston-Salem, NC.

Vermeulen rides a Selle San Marco Concor saddle and a Di2 Junction A box is taped right below.

Shimano Dura-Ace cranks with 56-44 rings and a Pioneer power meter, plus Dura-Ace pedals.

Tacx supplies bottles and cages to the team. Vermeulen rode Vittoria Crono 24-28 tires front and back on the Shimano wheels.

The top gear doesn't appear operational as the derailleur apparently scrapes the Shimano disc when in that gear.

172.5 cranks for Vermeulen, and 172.5 or longer still appears to be the standard in the road cycling world.

Up close from below shows the brake under the chainstays.

All images © Herbert Krabel