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Update: Russia tops medal count with 33, including most golds with 13

Sochi Olympics Cross Country Men

Russia’s gold medal winner Alexander Legkov is flanked by Russia’s silver medal winner Maxim Vylegzhanin, left and Russia’s bronze medal winner Ilia Chernousov during the flower ceremony of the men’s 50K cross-country race at the 2014 Winter Olympics, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014, in Krasnaya Polyana, Russia. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Gregorio Borgia

There are still two significant medal events to go before the Sochi Olympics move on to the Closing Ceremony, but host country Russia essentially clinched the top marks thanks to a strong showing in the men’s cross-country 50 km mass start.

Sweeping that event gives Russia 32 medals, putting its lead out of reach. They also top all countries with 12 gold medals, which is unlikely to be surpassed, as well.

Update: Men’s four-man bobsled gold gives them 33 medals overall and 13 gold medals, both tops in Sochi. The U.S. finishes with eight.

Alexander Legkov (pictured up front) edged his compatriots for gold with a 1:46:55.2 time. Second and third came down to a photo finish between fellow Russians Maxim Vylegzhanin and Ilia Chernousov, with Vylegzhanin getting the nod for silver. Norway’s Martin Johnsrud Sundby finished in fourth at 1:46:56.2.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins