Criterium 75

The Criterium 75, manufactured by Recel S.A. of Madrid, Spain in 1978, is a fascinating piece of pinball history from the early years of solid-state electronics. The industry's shift from electromechanical to solid-state technology in the late 1970s allowed for greater complexity and replayability, and this four-player game represents Recel's participation in that transition. It is, in fact, a solid-state successor to the company's own 1975 electro-mechanical 'Criterium 75'.

The game carries a bicycle racing theme, an unusual choice among sports-themed machines. Recel was the name used for the company's export games; the same machine was sold domestically in Spain as a Petaco-branded solid-state 'Criterium 75'.

Not much is documented about the game's specific features or design team. Nonetheless, for pinball enthusiasts and collectors, this 1978 Recel release offers a glimpse into the early days of solid-state technology and into Spanish pinball manufacturing, making it an intriguing find for those exploring the hobby's rich history.