Alexis Pinturault of France won the combined event at the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in Bormio ©Getty Images

World champion Alexis Pinturault of France produced a superb slalom to claim victory in the combined event at the International Ski Federation Alpine Skiing World Cup in Bormio.

The Olympic combined silver medallist was 12th after the super-G but stormed back in the slalom to beat Aleksander Aamodt Kilde of Norway by 0.51 seconds.

Pinturault, winner of the combined title at this year's World Championships in Åre, clocked 58.17sec in the slalom to finish on an overall time of 2min 32.56sec.

Kilde, fastest after the super-G, was second on 2:33.07, while Loic Meillard of Switzerland did enough for third in 2:33.12.

Victory for the Frenchman on the Stelvio course in the Italian Alps handed him a third win of the season and a 26th World Cup triumph overall.

France's eigning world champion Alexis Pinturault struggled in the super-G but recovered with a superb slalom ©Getty Images
France's eigning world champion Alexis Pinturault struggled in the super-G but recovered with a superb slalom ©Getty Images

"I'm really happy, it was a difficult day especially with the super-G, the slalom's not easy especially against the downhillers," said Pinturault.

"Here in Bormio, it's a really long flat. 

"I told myself I have no choice but to attack as much as possible and see what happens."

Kilde moved top of the overall standings following his second place result.

The Norwegian has 474 points, 20 in front of Italy's Dominik Paris, winner of both downhill events in Bormio.

Pinturault is third, 73 points adrift of Kilde.