In the men's elite downhill event, the South African crossed the line in 3min 28.963sec to scrape victory ahead of Nicole's compatriot Benoit Coulanges who finished 0.227secs slower.

Australia's Tony Brosnan rounded out the top three comfortably ahead of France's Loris Vergier.

Vergier had high expectations on his shoulders after qualifying for the final with the quickest time by almost a second.

Minnaar had won the downhill events in the 2003, 2012 and 2013 downhill race prior to this season's success.

He has also won silver five times and bronze on three occasions.

Meanwhile in the women's elite downhill, France achieved a one-two as Nicole was joined on the podium by Marine Cabirou.

Nicole was far and away the superior rider as she finished the course in 4:06.243 which was 4.827 seconds quicker than the Millau native.

Camille Balanche of Switzerland clocked in 6.099 seconds later than Myriam to secure the bronze medal.

Top qualifier Valentina Holl of Austria capitulated in the final as she finished 22.579 seconds off the pace to see her come in 12^th position.

The men's and women's junior downhill events also took place earlier on in the day.

Canada's Jackson Goldstone crossed the line in 3:37.097 to be crowned champion in the men's race as Britain's Jordan Williams and Lachlan Stevens-McNab of New Zealand finished second and third respectively.

Bulgaria's Izabela Yankova topped the charts for the women as she blitzed the course in 4:30.865.

Yankova was 10.844 seconds ahead of nearest competitor Kine Haugom of Norway.

Gracey Hemstreet then ensured she won the bronze medal despite only finishing 13.245 seconds after the Bulgarian.