In the first race held under the new format, staged on a shorter course, Samková started poorly but recovered, crossing the line in front of Italy’s Michela Moioli, while Chloe Trespeuch of France came through to take third.

Samková triumph moved her into joint third position on the overall FIS Snowboard World Cup leaderboard as she is level with the Italian on 1,200 points.

Frenchwoman Nelly Moenne Loccoz, passed by Samková late on and could only manage fourth, currently heads the standings on 1,500 points.

“Over the past weeks I was sick and therefore haven't been in the best shape,” the Czech said.

“I started training two weeks ago.

“I think I was a bit tired going into the finals which would explain why I missed the start.

“But then I went all in at the two fun boxes.

“The pass in the turn was tricky but I'm glad how things worked out for me.”

Olyunin, winner of the snowboard cross Olympic silver medal at the Sochi 2014 and gold medallist at the 2015 Winter Universiade in Granadar, also relied on a late passing move amid tricky conditions to secure his win as he pipped Olympic champion Pierre Vaultier to the line.

Two-time world champion Alex Pullin of Australia earned the bronze medal.

The Russian’s victory gave him his first victory in this year's Snowboard World Cup. 

“The weather wasn't good today but maybe that was better for me," he said. 

“I just won my first World Cup, and I just feel so good.

“Thanks to German organisers who have put together a good course and perfect organisation.”

The action-packed event in Feldberg is due to continue tomorrow with the second snowboard cross sprint race.