Sebastian Samuelsson shelled out 150 000 Euros for a roller ski mill for his home gym. 

The Swedish biathlon star is among the best at the range, currently ranked number two on the IBU World Cup circuit. 

This year, the 24-year-old has invested 150 000 Euros in a broad-band roller ski mill for his workout room at home. And Samuelsson says the investment is paying off. 

“I believe this is my most important training tool. On the mill, I can complete all my workouts exactly the way I want to. My workouts on the mill are more efficient than doing the same outside. And in terms of cardio, nothing beats the roller ski mill,” Samuelsson says to Ski Nordique. 

“Of course, in order to practice shooting, work on technical and tactical elements such as turning and how to address the various parts of a race course, I have to train outside as well. But having access to the roller ski mill whenever I need it and as much as I want to, is invaluable to me in order to improve,” Samuelsson says. 

So far, the sprint has been Samuelsson’s strongest event, and where he feels most comfortable. In the sprints, he oozes confidence both at the range and on the course. 

“I perceive that my shooting is better in the sprint than in the other events. Ever since I got started with biathlon, I have prioritized shooting skills. That strategy has worked out well for me, and now I always expect to nail the targets,” Samuelsson says. 

He explains that his marksmanship is a key to his success. 

“My proficiency at the range gives me a mental strength and confidence that makes it easier for me to perform overall. I know that as long as I shoot clean, I will almost always make the podium. But I’m also a perfectionist, and I always strive to improve,” Samuelsson says. 

A trend among the elite
Samuelsson is hardly the only World Cup racer who has invested in a roller ski mill lately. 

In the spring of 2021, Alexander Bolshunov reportedly shelled out nearly 200 000 Euros for a broad-belt roller ski mill for his home. He argues that the roller ski mill is an essential tool in his quest for Olympic gold in Beijing 2022. 

Aron Åkre Rysstad, who just raced his first ever World Cup, designed and built his own broad-belt roller ski mill home on the farm in Valle. Going with the do-it-yourself option, Åkre Rysstad got away with only a fraction of the cost. He estimates having spent less than 20 000 Euros on parts, including shipping, but the process too nearly half a year. 

The mill was ready for use last fall, and Åkre Rysstad says it has become a crucial part of his training program. He uses the mill both for specific technique work, and in order to complete scheduled quality/intensity sessions in inclement conditions.  

And finally, Mikael Gunnulfsen of Team Telemark bought a roller ski mill in 2020. After he started using it systematically, he went from decent results in the top-30 on a good day, to podium material at elite events where even the national teams were racing. In fact, until he broke his leg in January 2021, Gunnulfsen was an unavoidable candidate for the Norwegian team to the 2021 World Championships.