Miscellany

Australian Emma George regained the women’s world indoor pole vault record, soaring 14 feet, 8 inches in Adelaide, Australia. She also holds the outdoor record.

Defending Iditarod champ Martin Buser began his 15th Iditarod Sled Dog Race in the ceremonial start in Anchorage, Alaska.

The 26th running of the 1,000-mile Anchorage-to-Nome race attracted 63 teams this year, including nine women and 19 rookies.

If past experience holds, leaders will reach the finish at Nome in about nine days. Montanan Doug Swingley, holder of the Iditarod’s speed record, is among the favorites.

Hermann Maier became the first Austrian man since Karl Schranz in 1970 to win the World Cup overall title when Andreas Schifferer of Austria couldn’t finish the course at an event in Kvitfjell, Norway.

Nicolas Burtin of France won the event, his first-ever World Cup downhill victory.

A visibly tired and battered Julio Cesar Chavez fought fellow Mexican Miguel Angel Gonzalez to a draw in a 12-round bout in Mexico City for the vacant World Boxing Council super lightweight title.

Rain postponed the Stihl 300 Busch Grand National stock car race at Atlanta until Monday.