Portuguese rider Nuno Vico and Italian rider Eugenio Arafaci have been forced to retire from professional cycling due to iliac artery problems.

The two are the latest riders to suffer from external iliac artery internal iliac fibrosis (EIAE), a disease commonly seen in professional cyclists. This syndrome is thought to be caused by a crouched posture on the bike, which cuts off circulation to one or both legs, resulting in reduced power, premature fatigue, and pain.

This problem can be corrected by placing stents in the arteries, but they are not always effective.

Numerous professional riders have undergone this procedure, with mixed results. Pauline Ferrand-Prevot returned and won the MTB world title this year. Fabio Aru returned but had to withdraw from the Vuelta a España due to fatigue and muscle damage.

Other riders who underwent surgery include Sam Omen, Jacob Rathe, Joe Dombrowski, Travis Meyer, Annemieke van Fluten (2014), Denis van Winden, Hayden Roulston, Theo Bos, and Stuart O'Grady.

Biko underwent surgery in 2017, but stated on Instagram that the problem was not resolved.

"I had surgery in 2017 to correct a condition in my iliac artery, but during the Vuelta a España it became really hard to deal with the pain again," he wrote.

"As soon as I got home, I checked with my doctor and he told me that according to medical advice, I should quit competitive sports. Therefore, it is with deep sadness that I inform you that this was my last race (Vuelta a España edition)/season as a professional cyclist."

"I am very sorry for my loss.

Arafaci told Tuttobici that he had undergone five different surgeries with no relief.

"I had my first surgery as an amateur and for the first two or three years as a professional I was fine. After that, my performance dropped every year."

"Now it's time to surrender to something bigger than myself. Doctors say it could be due to a genetic problem."

"This sport has taught me that nothing is given, that you have to fight to achieve your goals. Bicycle racing taught me to make sacrifices and I was fortunate enough to race for the U.S. team. I learned a language that helped me to reinvent myself."[25