Vaultier racks up yet another win in Veysonnaz

FRANCE'S Pierre Vaultier tightened his grip on the snowboardcross World Cup standings with his third victory of the season in Veysonnaz, Switzerland.

DOMINANT: Pierre Vaultier chalks up his third World Cup win in four races in Veysonnaz, Switzerland (Getty Images)

The 22-year-old has been in formidable form this season and has now claimed three victories in the four World Cup races this season in Veysonnaz, Telluride and Chapelco.

Vaultier was forced to settle for silver last time out, in Bad Gastein,. as gold went Nate Holland of the USA.  However, the Frenchman was back to his very best in Switzerland and cruised to gold ahead of Germany's David Speiser.

Bronze went to the USA's Nick Baumgartner - his first podium finish of the season - while Holland could do no better than tenth.

Vaultier's dominance thus far this season means he has amassed 3800 points and is streaking ahead of Holland (1740) in the snowboardcross standings.

In the overall snowboarding standings, Vaultier's tally of 3800 puts him joint top with big air ace Stefan Gimpl of Austria.

In the women's event, Norway's Helene Olafsen went one better than last time out and captured gold ahead of Canadian duo Dominique Maltais and Maelle Ricker.

Great Britain's Zoe Gillings had to make to with 16th, a disappointment for the Brit having finished sixth last time out in Bad Gastein.

Olafsen's victory ensures she moves into third in the snowboardcross standings while Maltais closed the gap on overall leader Ricker.