American Asa Vermette victorious at Hardline Wales finals day

Shrewsbury’s Charlie Hatton finished second following a stellar World Cup season, just 1.681 seconds behind the winner.

Hatton said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be honest.

“The emotions here are so high. I don’t think I’ve ever had such an adrenaline spike after finishing a ride.

“A podium at Hardline is always a good Sunday.”

Last year’s champion Ronan Dunne finished in third place despite sustaining a puncture in the top section of the seeding run.

“After winning Hardline last year, I definitely wanted to do it again, but it was nice to come away with a podium,” said Dunne.

“Hats off to Charlie and Asa, they both ripped it.”

Course co-creator and Hardline pioneer Gee Atherton finished in the top 10, taking ninth place over Chilean Felipe Agurto.

The 40-year-old becomes the oldest competitor in the competition’s history.

And mountain bike internet sensation Matt Jones had difficultly in his run, but managed to make it down the mountain and finish the course.

Jones was one of the only riders in attendance who does not race World Cups regularly.

He told BBC Sport Wales: “I just about completed it, I ended up crashing twice in one run, which honestly just shows how gnarly it was.

“I’m particularly unfit compared to these guys who are halfway through a World Cup season, but I made it happen.”