Chrissie Wellington wants to see British world champion

Four-time world champion Wellington only started running 10 years ago

Ironman world champion Chrissie Wellington says she wants to see another British triathlete take the 2012 title in her absence.

The four-time winner will not compete in this weekend's World Championship because she is taking a year off.

"If I can't win the race then I think that would be the dream scenario, that you have a fellow Brit win the race," she told BBC Sport.

Rachel Joyce and Leanda Cave will be representing Great Britain in Hawaii.

Wellington believes both have a good chance of success.

Cave, 34, finished third behind Wellington and Australian Mirinda Carfrae in 2011 and will line up in Hawaii fresh from taking the world title at the half Ironman distance in Las Vegas last month.

"She had a great race there and showed she is on good form," said Wellington. "It would be great if a fellow Brit won and could continue to fly the flag for long course racing."

Joyce, 34, turned professional four years ago and finished sixth on her debut at the Ironman World Championship in 2009.

The former lawyer from London has improved one place every year, finishing fourth in 2011. Wellington thinks Switzerland's Caroline Steffen is favourite for the title but says Joyce has what it takes to make the podium this time around.

Wellington admits it will be difficult to watch from the sidelines at this year's event but does not regret taking some time out from the sport.

"I know it's going to be hard and I'm sure I will have that craving to be out there in battle, but I know I needed to take this break," she said.