The 37-year-old seven-times Winter X-Games champion was followed across the line in the final by France's Pierre Vaultier on the South Korean course, with fellow American Nick Baumgartner third.

Holland was an unlikely winner after qualifying for the day's action in 35th place and then being aided by crashes in the heats.

"It was a hectic day of racing out there, for sure," said Holland, who along with the other finalists had to battle through three other races to reach the medal contest.

"I think I ollied over somebody at some point.

"There was a lot of drag racing.

"This course holds its speed, the features are huge, and this is what boardercross should be, not just some thing where you all crash into turn one and whoever gets out first wins.

"This course allows people to come down to the wire."

Vaultier, the Sochi 2014 Olympic champion, remains on top of the overall World Cup standings with 3780 points, ahead of Nikolay Olyunin of Russia who was 17th today and has 2640.

Third-overall rider Alessandro Haemmerle of Austria has 2240 after finishing in fourth place in the final.

France claimed the women's race as Chloe Trespeuch finished ahead of Italian Michela Moioli and Czech boarder Eva Samkova respectively.

Moioli looked like she would win until a late mistake allowed the French athlete to sling-shot past.

“I’m very happy about this victory because it’s my first World Cup win and I’m happy to do it on the Olympic course,” said Trespeuch.

“The course was very fun and there was a lot of action going on.

"It was amazing.”

The overall standings are led by Moioli who boasts 3200 points, with Samkova just behind on 3160 and Trespeuch now third on 2940.

The World Cup season will continue with back-to-back events in Veysonnaz, Switzerland, on March 5 and 6.

Bokwang will hold World Cup finals in ski cross tomorrow, another Olympic test event.