Vaultier, gold medallist at Sochi 2014, pipped Russia's overall leader Nikolay Olyunin, who won yesterday’s race, to clinch his 16th World Cup success.

Lluis Marin Tarroch sealed a rare medal for Andorra as he rounded off the podium by taking third.

Though he was beaten by arch-rival Vaultier, Olympic silver medallist Olyunin remains at the summit of the overall standings on 2,400 points, with the Frenchman 600 adrift in second place.

“I was struggling pretty hard in the semis with Olyunin pushing it like in yesterday's finals,” Vaultier said.

“That wasn't good news for me as I still had today's final in front of me.

“I had to keep some energy for the finals.

“But I ended up first with my best friend Lluis next to me in third.

“Such a great day and topping it all with becoming the most successful racer of all time makes today even better.”

Women’s World Cup leader Moenne Loccoz also produced under pressure following a disappointing outing yesterday, where she could only manage fourth, as she returned to form by beating Olympic bronze medallist and compatriot Chloe Trespeuch to the gold medal.

Michela Moioli of Italy held off the challenge of American Lindsey Jacobellis to claim bronze.

“Yesterday was very hard,” Moenne Loccoz admitted.

“I was very disappointed of my riding.

“So, I really wanted to do well today - I knew I was strong on this course, so we worked hard to achieve that goal.

“With Chloe being second, and Pierre winning we did a great job.

“It's a great day for us.”

Moenne Loccoz remains the woman to beat on 2,500 overall points, while Moioli is second on 1,800.

The next snowboard cross event on the World Cup calendar takes place in Sunny Valley, Russia on February 20 and 21.