Criterium 75

The Criterium 75 is an intriguing electro-mechanical pinball machine from Recel S.A. of Madrid, Spain, released in April 1975. This four-player game (model number 1039) carries a bicycle racing theme—criterium racing is a type of close, fast competition typically held on a short, defined track for a specified time or number of laps. Recel was the brand the company used for its export games, and the machine later received a solid-state successor in Recel's 1978 'Criterium 75'.

The playfield features two flippers, two pop bumpers, two slingshots, six standup targets, a spinning target, and an up-post between the flippers. Three captive balls, when hit, land in kick-out holes, and an end-of-ball bonus rewards skilled play. The up-post between the flippers adds to the overall depth of the game, giving players a chance to save a draining ball.

While information on this machine is relatively scarce, its distinctive theme and Spanish origins make it a fascinating find for pinball enthusiasts. Its blend of electromagnetism and mechanical motion creates the kind of experience that captivates players seeking a nostalgic challenge.