The American, best known as a banked slalom rider in the SB-UL class, carried his form over the new discipline to win ahead of France's Maxime Montaggioni.

Montraggioni, a former taekwondo player who has only just joined his national team, had earlier secured a shock victory over Austrian rival Patrick Mayrhofer.

Mayrhofer had to be content with the bronze medal. 

It proved to be a bitter-sweet day for France, however, as Sochi 2014 silver medallist Cécile Hernandez-Cervellon was forced to pull-out of the women's competition with an injury sustained in training. 

Elsewhere, Dutch world champion Chris Vos beat Austrian rival Reinhold Schett in the men’s SB-LL1 class.

Spain’s Oscar Gonzalez Gonzalez was third, having crossed the line ahead of Norway’s Kristian Moen in the small final.

Nicole Roundy took another win for the US in the women’s SB-LL1 class, getting the better of France’s Paralympic silver medallist Cecile Hernandez-Cervellon.

Canada’s Michelle Salt was third.

US Sochi 2014 champion Evan Strong enjoyed his first snowboard-cross victory of the season in the men’s SB-LL2 event.

Team-mate Michael Shea was second with Finland’s world champion Matti-Suur Hamari third.

There was no surprise in the women's SB-LL2 class as The Netherlands' Bibian Mentel-Spee claimed a fifth successive victory.

Compatriot Lisa Bunschoten was second, followed onto the podium by Australia’s Joany Badenhorstwho.

Action is due to continue in the French resort with banked slalom World Cup races on Saturday (March 12).