Hearney, who had never finished on the podium before today’s race, prevailed over former overall champion Omar Visintin of Italy in a re-run of the final following a gate malfunction.

Visintin, silver medallist in the snowboard cross event at the 2015 Winter X Games in Aspen, had initially triumphed but was beaten when the final was repeated for the first time in Snowboard Cross World Cup history.

The 28-year-old American led the way from start to finish as he ousted the Italian, with Australia’s Alex Pullin, who was fifth in last year’s World Cup standings, taking third place.

Olympic champion Pierre Vaultier of France failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals, marking a disappointing start to the defence of his overall title.

In the women’s competition, Belle Brockhoff of Australia narrowly beat Chloe Trespeuch of France to the gold medal in another thrilling contest.

Brockhoff, third in last year’s overall World Cup rankings, edged the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games bronze medallist to secure victory and get her campaign for the title underway with a win.

American Lindsay Jacobellis, best known for throwing away Olympic gold at Turin 2006 after falling while attempting a trick in the home straight, did enough for third place.

Jacobellis, who has competed at three Olympic Games, was only able to achieve two podium results last season and will be hoping today’s performance marks the start of the resurrection of her World Cup career.

A team event will bring the World Cup competition in Montafon to a close on Sunday (December 18).