This is the fifth podium finish in Kranjska Gora for the 23-year-old Pinturault, 23, and the first giant slalom victory for France at the Vitranc Cup.

"This is a special day for me...I finally did it I beat Hirscher," Pinturault said after what is his ninth career World Cup victory but only second in giant slalom. He is the only skier to beat Hirscher in giant slalom in Europe this winter.

After securing the victory in the season's giant slalom standings, his second so far, Hirscher is also poised to win the overall World Cup title. With five events to go until the end of the season, he commands a 124-point lead ahead of runner-up Kjetil Jansrud of Norway.

A six-time Kranjska Gora winner, US champion Ted Ligety finished fourth today to fall to third spot in the giant slalom standings.

None of the six Slovenian competitors made it to the finals, the eighth straight year without a local making it to the second run of a Vitranc giant slalom. The best placed home skier was Žan Kranjec in 43rd.

Held on a fine sunny day, the first event of the 54th Vitranc Cup attracted some 6,000 supporters to Kranjska Gora. The meet will end with a slalom race on Sunday.