The world champion qualified second fastest for the final yesterday having recovered from a crash, with her team-mate Manon Carpenter topping the standings.

Carpenter found herself in the same position during the final as a crash put her podium hopes at risk, but she battled back to claim a bronze medal in a time of 5min 32.108sec.

Her time was bettered by Australia’s Tracey Hannah, who clocked 5:23.268, but it was Atherton who provided the performance of the competition.

The 28-year-old completed the course in a stunning time of 5:11.219 to earn a dominant win to further extend her series lead.

Atherton is now 190 points clear of her compatriot Carpenter and remains on course to claim a fifth overall World Cup crown.

“I didn’t even think about coming into the weekend,” said Atherton.

“I can’t believe it, nine wins in a row."

South Africa’s Greg Minnaar claimed the men’s title after completing the 2.8 kilometre course in a time of 4:35.601.

Defending world cup champion Aaron Gwin of New Zealand finished 3.357 seconds behind the winner to earn silver.

The podium positions were completed by Britain’s’ Danny Hart, who finished in 4:39.596.

Prior to the competition tributes were paid to Canadian downhill rider Steve Smith, who died in May after a motorbike accident.