SALINAS, Calif. -- Jonathan Boyer, a former Tour de France competitor, has pleaded guilty to 10 felony counts of child molestation involving a girl who was 11 years old at the time the molestation began.

Boyer, 46, of Seaside, was arrested in May after the girl, now 16, told police he sexually molested her from September 1997 to September 2000.

Monterey County Deputy District Attorney Tim Roberts said Judge Gary Meyer has indicated Boyer will receive probation. Boyer will have to seek further psychological counseling and must register as a sex offender.

"The judge has indicated that in his mind it looks like a probation case unless something transpires or comes up that changes his mind,'' Roberts said.

Boyer would face up to 22 years in prison if he violated the terms of probation, Roberts said. If Meyer does not believe probation is appropriate, then Boyer could withdraw his plea.

Boyer pleaded guilty to seven lewd acts with a child under the age of 14 and three counts of penetration by foreign object. He had faced a maximum of 80 years in prison if convicted on all charges.

"He admits that he did engage in sexual conduct,'' said Boyer's attorney, Tom Worthington. "He's very remorseful for what occurred.''

Boyer competed in the Tour de France five times beginning in 1981, finishing as high as 12th place. He was inducted into the United States Cycling Hall of Fame in 1998, and owns BoyerSports, a cycling shop in Marina.