Rzhanaya Polyana, Russia (SportsNetwork.com) - Russia is in gold medal position after the first two runs of the men's two-man bobsled, while the top team from the United States sits third after Sunday's competition at the Sochi Olympics.
The Russian sled piloted by Alexander Zubkov posted the best time in each run Sunday and holds a lead of .32 seconds over Switzerland heading into the final two runs on Monday. Russia completed its two runs at Sanki Sliding Center in 1 minute, 52.82 seconds.
The U.S. sled piloted by Steven Holcomb was second after the first run, but fell to third overall after posting only the eighth-best split of Run 2. The Americans are .36 seconds behind Russia for first place and .04 seconds behind the Swiss.
Holcomb piloted the four-man sled that won a surprising gold four years ago in Vancouver, giving the U.S. its first Olympic gold in bobsled since 1948. The Americans haven't medaled in two-man bobsled since 1952 and last won gold in the event in 1936.
A second sled from the U.S. piloted by Cory Butner was third after the first run, but now sits in 11th place. A third American team is in 13th place.
Justin Kripps has piloted Canada's top sled into fourth place. The Canadians are .44 seconds behind Russia for first and .08 seconds behind Holcomb and the Americans.
Canada's two remaining sleds are in eighth and ninth place heading into Monday's final runs.
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