Rzhanaya Polyana, Russia (SportsNetwork.com) - Russia won the gold medal in the men's two-man bobsled competition Monday, while the United States secured its first medal in the event in over 60 years by bringing home bronze.
Alexander Zubkov, with brakeman Alexey Voevoda, piloted the Russian sled to the best time in every run, culminating in a 56.49-second fourth run that gave the top Russian team a total time of 3 minutes, 45.39 seconds.
The U.S. sled piloted by Steven Holcomb compiled a total time of 3:46.27 -- just .03 seconds quicker than Russia's second two-man team -- to give the Americans their first two-man medal at the Olympics since 1952.
The 33-year-old Holcomb claimed his second Olympic medal after helping the U.S. win gold at Vancouver in the four-man.
Zubkov, the flagbearer for Russia, won his first Olympic gold after two-man bronze in 2010 and four-man silver in 2006, while Swiss Beat Hefti secured his first Olympic silver and fourth medal overall after piloting the top squad from Switzerland to a total time of 3:46.05.
The top Canadian team, piloted by Justin Kripps, trailed the U.S. for third by just .09 seconds after three runs, but faltered during their final run and finished in sixth, just ahead of the second Canadian team.
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