John Napier claims first ever World Cup win in Lake Placid

AMERICAN champion John Napier claimed his first ever World Cup win in the two-man bobsleigh in Lake Placid.

FIRST VICTORY: American John Napier scoops his first World Cup gold medal for the two-man bobsleigh at Lake Placid (Getty Images)

The 22-year old, teaming up with Charles Berkeley, produced a lightning fast first run of 56.75 seconds to lead at the half-way stage before a solid second run of 56.87 secs earned him the gold.

World four-man bobsleigh champion Steven Holcomb, partnered by Justin Olsen, ensured it was an American one-two as he finished 0.26 secs behind in second.

Meanwhile, Switzerland's two-man world champion Ivo Rueegg, who struck bronze at the opening World Cup event of the season in Park City last week, finished third again, 0.29 secs behind the winner.

But the day was all about Napier, who lives within walking distance of the New York track and the American admitted it was a feeling he wouldn't forget in a hurry.

"I can't believe it," said Napier. "Either side of me on the podium are world champions.

"It's an absolute honour and I'm ecstatic - I really wasn't expecting it but I pushed really well today and everything just came right for me.

"It's just an amazing feeling and hopefully I can push on from here."

Adding a silver to his fourth place from Park City, Holcomb takes the lead in the World Cup standings on 402 points but with two bronzes, Rueegg is right behind him on 400.