All eyes had been on America’s Ronnie Renner, seeking to repeat his success from last year’s event and earn his eighth Moto X step-up title.

It was not to be for the 38-year-old American, however, as he was only able to manage a jump of 30 feet, only good enough for fourth place in the standings.

McNeil moved into the overall lead in the competition with a height of 33 feet, with Podmol matching the Australian’s effort.

The podium positions were completed by Italy’s Massimo Bianconcini, who produced a jump which peaked at 32 feet.

Defending Harley-Davidson flat-track champion Bryan Smith failed to defend his title, despite finishing with the second fastest time in his heat, which saw him advance to the 12-man final.

The American, winner of the inaugural competition last year failed, however, finish the course in the final.

Another American, Jared Mees, who led the final last year before his motorbike broke in the last lap, earned redemption by claiming the gold with an impressive ride.

The 30-year-old completed the course in 6min 35.907sec to secure top spot, narrowly finishing ahead of his compatriot Kenny Coolbeth, who ended in 6:36.276.

An all-American top three was rounded off by Brad Baker, the 23-year-old claiming the bronze medal in a time of 6:40.896.

Competition will continue tomorrow with skateboard street and vert events taking centre stage, along with the BMX vert final.

This year’s event will be the third and last in Austin with US sports broadcaster ESPN confirming in March that it is looking for other American cities interested in hosting the X Games in 2017 and 2018.

Austin had been due to stage the event again in 2017 but ESPN decided to end its agreement with the city one year earlier than planned and seek a new host.

The four-day event is due to draw to a close on Sunday (June 5).