MELBOURNE, Australia — Motocross star Andrew McFarlane died from serious head injuries Sunday after crashing during a practice lap at an Australian national championship meeting in Victoria State.

The 33-year-old McFarlane, once the second-ranked rider in the world, was flung from his bike at the State Motorcycle Sports Complex at Broadford during the third round of the MX National Motocross championships. He died at the scene.

Ambulance Victoria spokesman John Mullen said paramedics worked on McFarlane for more than an hour but were unable to revive him.

Motorcycling Australia confirmed the death in a statement Sunday.

"McFarlane received immediate treatment from medical staff at the track," the statement said. "MA and Victoria Police are now both investigating the incident."

All racing Sunday was canceled after the accident.

McFarlane returned to live in Australia last year after competing for nine years on the world motocross circuit in Europe and the United States. He had a career-high No. 2 ranking in 2005.